NIPCO’s Chad Barthman Earns Certified Loss Control Professional Certification

At NIPCO’s September Safety Meeting, Executive Vice President & General Manager Matt Washburn recognized Right-of-Way, Inspection & Safety Coordinator Chad Barthman for earning the Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) designation. The Certified Loss Control Program is a series of workshops offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association in conjunction with the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association. The program is designed to instruct participants in many areas related to electric utility industry safety.

Loss Control participants go through four, week-long sessions that are designed to challenge and educate participants in new, innovative safety techniques. Participants must also maintain their certificate by attending courses every year in order to stay on top of changes in the industry.

“The program was challenging, but it gave me the opportunity to dig deeper into safety protocols and best practices,” Barthman said. “The knowledge and skills I gained will help strengthen NIPCO’s safety culture.”

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly 4 million injuries occur annually in the workplace. One of the goals of a Certified Loss Control Professional is to help ensure a safe work environment for utility workers and the public in general.

Avoiding workplace accidents avoids down time and can ultimately lead to lower utility rates.

Barthman is one of only a few electric utility professionals in the country that received this certification this year. The program requires participants to complete a rigorous series of seminars and tests, a 30-hour OSHA course, and a detailed final course project. Barthman focused his presentation on flame-resistant (FR) clothing and its role in reducing personal injury in the field.

Congratulations, Chad!