#United States #San Diego #Workplace Safety #SDG&E #CAL/OSHA VPP

San Diego Gas & Electric: Setting Safety Standards in California

In an impressive milestone for workplace safety, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has made history by becoming the first utility company in California to receive the prestigious CAL/OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) certification. This award reflects SDG&E's unwavering commitment to creating a safe and healthy work environment for its employees. It emphasizes the organization’s dedication to not only meeting but exceeding standard safety requirements.

The announcement was made during a recognition ceremony held at SDG&E’s Kearny Mesa facility on January 28, where company officials highlighted the rigorous evaluation process that led to this achievement. The VPP certification is awarded only to organizations that demonstrate excellence in safety practices, employee involvement, and proactive injury prevention measures. According to Kevin Geraghty, SDG&E’s Operations and Safety Director, this recognition serves as validation of the company’s efforts to foster a safety-centric culture.

A Culture of Safety and Innovation

SDG&E’s Kearny Mesa facility, which serves as a critical hub for the company’s regional electrical operations, underwent a meticulous five-year evaluation process to achieve this distinction. The hard work and commitment of all employees played a vital role, showcasing their dedication to implementing advanced safety protocols and comprehensive training programs. They have cultivated a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential hazards in the workplace.

The facility also features one of the latest energy storage systems, which has a capacity of 30 megawatts. This system not only contributes to operational efficiency but also indicates SDG&E’s commitment to advancing clean energy solutions while ensuring reliable service delivery.

It is worth noting that the Kearny Mesa team received high praise from CAL/OSHA representatives for their innovative safety initiatives. These include the development of hazard reporting tools, ergonomic equipment enhancements, and employee-led safety briefings designed to empower workers to recognize and address risks in real-time.

A Testament to Dedication

Iraj Pourmehraban, Director of the VPP program at CAL/OSHA, acknowledged this accomplishment, stating, “We are delighted to celebrate SDG&E's VPP certification, marking a significant achievement as the first utility company in California to earn this honor. This milestone underscores SDG&E's commitment to providing a world-class safe and healthy work environment.”

In achieving the VPP certification, SDG&E aligns itself with its broader safety strategy, which includes significant annual investments in cutting-edge training simulations, AI-driven risk analysis, and collaboration with local emergency response teams. This holistic approach ensures SDG&E remains at the forefront of safety standards within the utility sector.

Moving Towards a Sustainable Future

Apart from its commitment to safety, SDG&E is also focused on environmental sustainability. The company is dedicated to increasing its energy supply from low- or zero-emission sources and accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles. It is investing in innovative technologies to ensure that the region's infrastructure remains reliable for future generations.

As a recognized leader in its field, SDG&E has received numerous accolades for its performance and commitment to excellence. Recently, it was honored as Corporate Partner of the Year at the San Diego Business Journal's Corporate Citizenship Awards and has won the ReliabilityOne® award from PA Consulting for 18 consecutive years due to its outstanding reliability performance.

In conclusion, SDG&E’s historic CAL/OSHA VPP certification not only highlights its commitment to workplace safety but also reflects its broader mission to enhance the quality of life for those it serves across San Diego and southern Orange County. As the company continues to innovate in safety and sustainability, it sets a high standard for other organizations in the utility sector to follow.