DTE Energy's Monroe Power Plant Receives State Award for Outstanding Safety and Health Record

MONROE, Mich., Aug. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy's Monroe Power Plant received the CET Bronze Award today for an outstanding safety and health record from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).  The MIOSHA program is part of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

"We are honored to present this award to DTE's Monroe Power Plant for providing their workers with a safe and healthy work environment," said Steve Arwood, LARA Deputy Director.  "This award recognizes their outstanding efforts to protect their workers, while providing the energy that is fueling our economic recovery."

The MIOSHA Consultation Education and Training (CET) Division recognizes the safety and health achievements of Michigan employers and employees through CET Awards, which are based on excellent safety and health performance.  The CET Bronze Award recognizes leadership and commitment to workplace safety and health resulting in significant improvement of their MIOSHA record.

CET Division Supervisor Sherry Scott presented the award to Brian Rice, Plant Manager, and Todd Burger, Site Union Safety Representative.  Rice and Burger are the Safety Committee Co-chairs and accepted the award on behalf of all employees.  Most plant employees are represented by the Utility Workers Union of America Local 223.

"This award means a lot to everyone who works at the Monroe Power Plant because it could not be achieved without a personal commitment by every individual," Rice said.  "Everyone has to be aware of potential hazards that could jeopardize their own safety, but everyone also has to take a personal responsibility for the safety of their co-workers.  Without a team effort where every worker is focused on the health and safety of their fellow employees, we could not achieve the safety levels that have earned us this recognition."

The plant has completed the following criteria to receive the Bronze Award:

• Reduced their injury/illness incident rate by more than 50 percent within the last three calendar years;
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system;
• Established a safety and health committee, with both employee and management participation;
• Developed an employee training system, with an emphasis on how to do the work in a safe and healthful manner; and
• Worked diligently to change their workplace culture to reflect the importance of worker safety.

The award ceremony took place at a luncheon on the last day of the plant's annual Safety Week.  During that week, most plant work is focused on safety, including a day or more dedicated to plant clean up and housekeeping.  During the course of the week, plant employees have an opportunity to participate in group safety presentations, displays and demonstrations and other activities with a safety focus.

The Monroe Power Plant is classified under NAICS code 221112 – Electric power generation, fossil fuel (e.g., coal, oil, gas).  The plant significantly reduced their incident rates over the last three years.  Their total recordable case (TRC) rate was 3.2 in 2008, 1.6 in 2009, and 1.2 in 2010, compared to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) industry average of 8.4 in 2008 and 15.0 in 2009.  Their total day's away/restricted cases (DART) rate was 2.5 in 2008, and 0.8 in 2009 and 2010, compared to the BLS industry average of 1.8 in 2008 and 1.7 in 2009.

The Monroe Power Plant employs more than 400 full-time workers and has a well-developed safety and health system and an actively engaged Health and Safety Committee.  CET Senior Safety Consultant Jennifer Clark-Denson conducted a hazard survey at the plant.  This allowed the Monroe team the opportunity to walk through the facility with Clark-Denson and rely on her expertise to identify problem areas, which were noted and later corrected.

"Companies that establish an integrated safety and health program reap the benefits of significantly reducing their injury and illness rates," said Scott.  "Reducing these rates not only protects employees – it has a healthy impact on a company's bottom line."

DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide.  Its operating units include Detroit Edison, an electric utility serving 2.1 million customers in Southeastern Michigan; MichCon, a natural gas utility serving 1.2 million customers in Michigan; and other non-utility energy businesses focused on gas storage and pipelines, unconventional gas production, power and industrial projects, and energy trading. Information about DTE Energy is available at www.dteenergy.com and at www.twitter.com/dte_energy.

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SOURCE Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs