#USA #San Diego #Workplace Safety #SDG&E #VPP Certification

SDG&E Achieves Historic Safety Milestone

San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) has made history, becoming the first utility company in California to earn the prestigious Cal/OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) safety certification. This remarkable accomplishment was announced on February 12, 2025, following a rigorous five-year evaluation that demonstrated the company's commitment to excellence in workplace safety and health management.

The Kearny Mesa facility, which serves as the backbone of SDG&E's electrical operations, was recognized in a ceremony held on January 28. The event, attended by SDG&E executives and employees, marked the official presentation of the VPP certificate. Kevin Geraghty, SDG&E's Chief Operations Officer and Chief Safety Officer, emphasized the significance of the award, stating, "Earning the VPP recognition highlights our profound commitment to a high-performance culture grounded in safety that not only protects but also inspires innovation and excellence across our organization."

What is the Cal/OSHA VPP Certification?

The Cal/OSHA VPP designation represents the pinnacle of safety recognition awarded by California's Division of Occupational Safety and Health. It is granted to organizations that exhibit exemplary safety practices, foster employee engagement, and implement effective injury prevention strategies that transcend regulatory demands. Achieving this status is a testament to SDG&E's relentless pursuit of safety and well-being for all its employees and the communities it serves.

The journey toward this designation underscores a culture of safety that permeates SDG&E. Over the five years of evaluation, the company showcased its leading-edge safety protocols and comprehensive training programs. Employees were encouraged to embrace a mindset focused on safety and excellence. This collective effort was crucial in meeting the stringent criteria necessary to achieve the VPP certification.

Innovations in Safety Practices

Cal/OSHA representatives commended the innovative safety initiatives implemented at the Kearny Mesa facility. Notable practices included advanced hazard reporting tools and ergonomic equipment upgrades that significantly improve workplace conditions. SDG&E also prioritized employee-led safety briefings, which empower workers to actively participate in identifying and mitigating risks.

One of the distinguishing features of the Kearny Mesa facility is its 30-megawatt battery energy storage system, which enhances reliability and supports seamless power distribution. This system not only represents a leap in energy innovation but also aligns with SDG&E's goals to establish a more sustainable energy future.

Iraj Pourmehraban, Cal/OSHA VPP Manager, expressed excitement about SDG&E's achievement: "We are thrilled to celebrate SDGE's VPP certification, marking a significant milestone as the first utility in California to earn this honor. This achievement highlights their dedication to creating a world-class safe and healthy work environment."

Future Endeavors

SDG&E's safety strategy is deeply intertwined with its broader objectives that include annual investments in cutting-edge training simulations, adoption of AI-powered risk analytics, and continuous collaboration with emergency response teams. All these initiatives reinforce the company's mission of delivering clean, safe, and reliable energy while ensuring the safety of its workforce.

As a subsidiary of Sempra (NYSE SRE), SDG&E is committed to pioneering a sustainable future. The company actively works to increase energy derived from low and zero-carbon sources and contribute to regional infrastructure reliability. It is also recognized for its outstanding operational performance, having received the Corporate Partner of the Year award at the San Diego Business Journal's Nonprofit Corporate Citizenship Awards and the ReliabilityOne® Award for exceptional reliability performance for 18 consecutive years.

In conclusion, SDG&E's attainment of the Cal/OSHA VPP certification not only represents a landmark achievement for the company but also sets a high standard for workplace safety within the utility industry in California. The dedication and commitment to employee safety and community well-being will undoubtedly inspire other organizations to pursue similar excellence.