Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Enforces Safety Accountability with Novara
"Everything I've heard from our end users has been very positive. Very easy to use. Very straightforward" – John Medved, Director – Safety & Security Officer
Customer Profile
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
A Large Member-Owned Electric Utility in Virginia
Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is a member-owned utility that provides electric service to connections in 22 Virginia counties, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay. It is one of the largest electric cooperatives in the country, with 450 employees–250 of whom work outdoors, operating some 300 vehicles (SUVs, trucks, bucket trucks, and trailers) across its service territory daily.
250
Outdoor Employees Trained
30+
Streamlined Processes
Challenge
Create a Culture of Accurate, Timely Safety and Incident Reporting
REC needed to replace its outdated, paper-based reporting system, which was slow, cumbersome, and difficult to enforce, particularly among its 250 outdoor employees, who represent 90% of the company’s incident reporting.
REC’s requirements included:
- Create a culture of safety accountability among workers.
- Ensure incident and safety forms are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
- Streamline processes and workflows for 30+ paper forms.
- Migrate to a digital system with an easy-to-manage interface for mobile employees, many of whom are unaccustomed to using digital tools.
- Generate valuable data for trend analysis and reporting to the executive team.
Solution
A Comprehensive, Easy-to-Use System to Encourage Worker Accountability
REC chose the Novara Flex software platform for several reasons:
- Easy to implement
- Easy for non-tech-savvy workers to use
- Robust, intuitive mobile app to support their outdoor workforce
- Excellent implementation support from Novara
REC’s first thought was to go with a software provider they used for online trainings. However, that provider’s reporting system proved to be impractical to implement.
“Too many IT people would have had to be involved constantly to get us what we needed.”
“It would not have worked for our workforce out in the field,” Medved said.
That opened the door for Novara’s platform.
“Novara was simply easier to use.”
Result
Greater Safety Accountability and Better Visibility into Data
REC has been rolling Novara out to its mobile workforce, and they already see quality results:
Greater Accountability for Incident Reporting: REC is already experiencing greater reporting accuracy and timeliness. The workforce’s acceptance of Novara has encouraged REC to develop additional reporting forms. They’ve had requests from two different departments in the company for new forms.
Improved Management of Safety Equipment: Novara Flex makes it easy for REC to keep track of safety equipment, such as ladders, hard hats, and fire extinguishers. The REC team is considering adding QR codes to associate each vehicle’s safety equipment and inspection reports.
Comprehensive Safety Trainings: REC’s experience with Novara makes them curious about Novara’s training module. With Novara, they’d have access to a comprehensive library of training. “Our current solution is very expensive. And it’s not customizable to the job location,” Medved said.
OSHA Reporting: Medved said they will also be adding Novara’s OSHA Reporting to their safety program. “Right now, we are literally writing things in pencil on paper forms,” a team member said.
“Utilizing Novara is going to save a lot of work.”
Ultimately, Novara makes it easier for REC workers and supervisors to engage in a culture of safety, follow common procedures, track potential issues, and create a safe environment for all employees.
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