work zone safety – Dakota Electric Association® https://www.dakotaelectric.com EmPowering Our Members with Safe, Affordable & Reliable Electricity Tue, 20 May 2025 16:21:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://www.dakotaelectric.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/dakota-electric-squarelogo-1443621295273-66x66.png work zone safety – Dakota Electric Association® https://www.dakotaelectric.com 32 32 Dakota Electric Association® crews respond quickly to electrical contact incident https://www.dakotaelectric.com/2025/05/20/dakota-electric-association-crews-respond-to-electrical-incident/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dakota-electric-association-crews-respond-to-electrical-incident Tue, 20 May 2025 16:21:04 +0000 https://www.dakotaelectric.com/?p=714204

The cooperative reminds the public of the importance of electrical safety and emergency preparedness

(FARMINGTON, MN) May 20, 2025 – Around 9:20 a.m. on May 8, a semi-truck was involved in an electrical contact incident near a grain elevator on the edge of Miesville. Two Dakota Electric crews traveling to another job site observed the situation and stopped to respond.

The crews arrived shortly after the vehicle contacted the power lines. Following Dakota Electric’s emergency response procedures, one crew secured the area and notified the control center, which alerted emergency services. The other crew moved the driver to a safe location and began life-saving efforts, later assisted by a Dakota County sheriff’s deputy.

Dakota Electric is proud of the actions of powerline specialist crew chief Greg, powerline specialist journeymen Jake and Reid, and groundman James — the four employees on site who acted in alignment with their training and safety procedures. Their actions helped ensure the safety of those nearby and provided critical, life-saving aid until emergency responders arrived. This swift response — combined with the coordinated support of the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office and the Miesville and Hastings fire departments — demonstrate the shared dedication to public safety among local agencies and utilities.

Dakota Electric crews complete regular CPR training and follow strict safety protocols for working around energized equipment. The cooperative also encourages the public to stay alert when working near or around power lines. If a vehicle contacts a power line, the safest action is to stay inside the vehicle and call 9-1-1. If there is a fire and evacuation is necessary, exit by jumping clear of the vehicle — making sure not to touch the vehicle and ground at the same time — then safely shuffle away without lifting your feet.

Dakota Electric is thankful the driver is in recovery and extends best wishes to him and his family.

Members of the public are reminded that if they see something that appears unsafe, they should call 9-1-1 and report it. Dakota Electric’s emergency line is available 24/7, 365 days a year at 651-463-6201.

Flames engulf a semi-truck after it made contact with electrical equipment near a grain elevator on the edge of Miesville, Minn., on May 8, 2025. Crews from Dakota Electric Association responded to the scene, assisting the driver and securing the area.

From left, Dakota Electric Association employees Reid, powerline specialist journeyman; Greg, powerline specialist crew chief; James, groundman; and Jake, powerline specialist journeyman, were part of the team that responded to an electrical contact incident on May 8 near Miesville, Minn

About Dakota Electric Association:
Dakota Electric Association is a member-owned, not-for-profit electric cooperative serving over 117,000 members in and around Dakota County. Established in 1937, Dakota Electric is committed to providing its members with reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity while actively engaging with the community and promoting energy efficiency. For more information, visit www.dakotaelectric.com or follow Dakota Electric on X, Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

]]> Safety Week https://www.dakotaelectric.com/2024/05/06/safety/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=safety Mon, 06 May 2024 14:37:43 +0000 https://www.dakotaelectric.com/?p=708932
This post contains outdated information and is kept for archived purposes only.

It’s National Electrical Safety Month and at Dakota Electric, safety is more than just a priority — it’s a core value that guides everything we do. Our recent annual Safety Week was a testament to this commitment, as we engaged our employees in a series of activities designed to reinforce safety protocols and enhance preparedness. Here’s a glimpse into the highlights of the week:

Dakota Electric’s Safety Week began with powerline safety demonstrations, providing valuable insights into potential hazards and mitigation steps. Additionally, the Personal Threat Alarm Test ensured readiness to respond swiftly to any potential threats.

On Tuesday, line crews showcased their proficiency in pole top rescue operations, enhancing both rescue skills and confidence in handling emergencies. Meanwhile, employee tours offered firsthand insights into field equipment and training processes, fostering continuous learning.

Wednesday focused on preparedness with a hazardous weather drill, ensuring all employees are equipped to handle adverse weather situations effectively. Thursday featured a clean-up day, promoting teamwork and addressing safety concerns in the workplace.

To conclude the week, a motivational speaker inspired employees to prioritize safety in both their professional and personal lives.

Dakota Electric’s Safety Week underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of safety, ensuring it remains a top priority in all our operations to safeguard the well-being of employees and the communities we serve.

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