Growth & Success

(2 of 6 parts)

The newly formed Exchange, which by choice has no charter or creed, grew rapidly over the next few years. Numerous other companies were added to its membership. Today the Exchange has representatives from 15 utility companies, located in 7 states.

The exchange of accident experiences by the members and subsequent ways developed to avoid similar occurrences have been an invaluable aid in the prevention of accidents. Since no official records are maintained by the Exchange, the member company representatives have been able to discuss, without fear of repercussion, all aspects of accident prevention. It is imperative to the continuance of the Exchange as a successful accident control organization, that the concept of accident information exchange remain intact. All member companies must make a concerted effort to contribute to this portion of the Exchange meetings.

Many safety rules and work procedures now in place at the member companies originated as a result of the accident exchange sessions of the Southwest Electric Safety Exchange. Although it would be difficult to determine how many serious injuries or fatalities have been prevented since the formation of the Exchange, a look at the accident frequencies of the member companies would be a good indication. The frequency rates have been on a steady decline since its beginning.