Power + Utility
“An easy means of training; tracking—the whole picture of what KPA offers is what we were looking for.”
Client Profile
Providing Critical Energy Transmission Infrastructure throughout Texas
Wind Energy Transmission Texas, LLC (WETT) is a leading energy transmission service provider (TSP) based in Austin, Texas. WETT builds and operates critical power infrastructure to meet increasing energy demands across Texas, including wind and other renewable energy resources. The WETT system spans approximately 20,000 square miles of territory in thirteen counties in West Texas. The company is quickly growing and currently employs 80+ people.
Challenges
Safety Organization Aims to Improve Record Keeping, Field Access to Forms and Training
WETT is a “strong performing safety company. ” According to Health, Safety, Security, and Environment (HSSE) Manager Eric Carman, “We had a lot of safety observations from multiple sources, and the documentation was falling to the wayside a bit.”
WETT’s safety leadership was challenged, as its Austin headquarters is located five hours away from the company’s assets and field activity. So, they needed a foolproof solution for documentation and information flow with their remote operations team, plus contractors doing construction site safety monitoring on a 24/7 basis, to show they were meeting OSHA and state requirements.
“We went through an audit and were looking for easier access to forms and information for field personnel, and also to funnel our observations back to them.” – Eric Carman, HSSE Manager
Carman said, “We also needed to provide them with access to training materials for new activities.”
Solutions
Flex Delivers the “Whole Package” of Data and Training Management
When researching Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) software platforms, WETT looked at multiple options. Ultimately, they had a personal reason to choose KPA Flex.
“We had spoken with several other utility organizations, and some we really trusted recommended KPA. That was the final push for going with Flex.”
“KPA is very user-friendly and straightforward, so training the team on how to use it has been a success.” – Louis Hernandez, HSSE Coordinator
KPA Flex provided:
- Easy access and review of forms and materials from remote contractors.
- Ability to provide quick feedback for corrective safety findings.
- Ready access to forms and checklists for operations and maintenance staff.
- Improved, mobile-accessible training capability
A key improvement with KPA was the ability for staff to complete documentation in the field from their mobile phones. And it was an easy learning curve to get the team on board.
“KPA is very user-friendly and straightforward,” said Louis Hernandez, HSSE Coordinator. “So training the team on how to use it has been a success.”
Training capability was another big focus for WETT.
“As we grow, we have a variety of experience levels. A core initiative is to get people up to speed on safety training and level out (our staff’s) knowledge,” Carman noted. “We can provide them with the KPA library, plus additional items, to bulk up training.”
Results
Enhanced Engagement Leads to a 30% Bump in Safety-Related Reports
“Everyone says safety is number one,” Carman commented, “but we actually try to engage a safety culture. That entails getting as much involvement as possible with all the employees.”
The results of their efforts since bringing on KPA?
- A 30% improvement in the number of reports filed.
- Progress toward training goals issued by WETT’s CEO.
- Strong support from KPA and the KPA Connect community.
“The ease of use with Flex has led to a lot of engagement. Instead of having to fill out paperwork and keep track of that, everything is in KPA. It’s a one-stop shop for us.” – Louis Hernandez, HSSE Coordinator
KPA is helping the organization meet its safety goals in other ways, as well.
“Our CEO wants office staff to be able to travel out to the field and make observations,” Carman said. “We’re using KPA to facilitate that process so they can be successful.
As for next steps, Carman noted that WETT is in the early stages of onboarding Flex’s QR code feature to monitor assets that require tracking inspections and maintenance. The company will also continue to set metrics around Flex to better use the data collected.
“We’ll look to outputs in the coming years. We’re at the toddler level with KPA at this point. We’re still learning what it‘s capable of and how we can use it to our benefit.”
Both men note strong support from their KPA account representative. And if he gets stuck on a question, Hernandez also turns to the KPA Connect online support community.
“It’s a good way to learn a certain feature on the KPA platform,” he continued. “More often than not, somebody’s used that feature before and I can get helpful information about whatever I’m trying to change up.”
