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April 17, 2006 | AECI recognizes two employees for quick thinking and action Contact : Nancy Southworth Photos available electronically. Contact lputman@aeci.org. Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. recently named Tony Joseph and Kevin Reeves 2005 Safety Persons of the Year at Thomas Hill Energy Center, located near Moberly, Mo. Joseph and Reeves, yard equipment operators at Thomas Hill, were nominated for their joint response last spring to a fire inside the crusher house that feeds coal to units 1 and 2. April 18, 2005, Joseph and Reeves noticed smoke coming from the crusher house. After radioing supervision to alert plant personnel of the situation, the pair discovered the number one hammermill motor was on fire. While Reeves located the breaker to de-energize the motor, Joseph began spraying the surrounding area with water to suppress any additional coal dust fire hazard. After Reeves alerted Joseph that the motor’s breaker was open and the electrical hazard eliminated, Tony began spraying the hammermill motor, extinguishing the fire in its incipient stage. According to their nominators, Joseph’s and Reeves’ understanding of the hazards, quick action, good communication and adherence to proper safety procedures prevented extensive equipment damage and personal injury and stopped a dangerous situation from escalating. Both Joseph and Reeves said fire prevention is a primary focus in the coal yard at Thomas Hill, and all employees in the yard work diligently to maintain a safe work environment. Joseph has worked at the power plant for nearly 16 years without a lost-time accident. He’s also an active participant in the plant’s STOP program for addressing potential safety hazards. "I think the plant has a good safety program,” he said. “It provides a means for employees to go home to their families every day in the same shape they arrived in.” Reeves has worked at the plant for nearly four years. He said working safely is up to the individual, but benefits everyone. “It’s just part of my job,” he said. “Whoever’s on shift … Safety is their responsibility.” AECI’s top strategic objective is ensuring an accident-free workplace. The annual Safety Person of the Year award is given to an individual at Thomas Hill Energy Center who demonstrates a commitment to and knowledge of safe work practices. The Safety Person of the Year is chosen by the respective plant’s safety committee from a list of 12 safety persons of the month, nominated by plant employees. Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. is owned by and provides wholesale power to six regional and 51 local electric cooperative systems in Missouri, northeast Oklahoma and southeast Iowa that serve more than 800,000 customers. AECI’s mission is to provide an economical and reliable power supply and support services to its members with the vision of being the nation’s lowest-cost wholesale power supplier. AECI is a Touchstone Energy Cooperative. Released: 17 April 2006
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