Safety

Public power utilities have a long-standing commitment to both workplace and public safety, with the goal of zero injuries in their communities. APPA supports utilities by convening experts to update guidance, benchmarking practices, and honoring utilities with strong safety records.

Get Recognized for Safety

Our annual Safety Awards of Excellence recognize public power utilities that prioritize safety in their day-to-day operations. Utilities can earn Diamond-, Platinum-, or Gold-level designations based on their incident rates and responses to an awards application that reflects the effectiveness of their safety programs.

Apply for the 2025 Safety Awards - deadline extended to February 7!
(Login Required — Don’t know your APPA account login? See page 18 of the guidebook.)

Watch the recording of the 2025 Safety Awards information webinar (from January 14, 2026)
- Access the slide deck here (PDF)
Read the Application Guidebook for the 2025 Award Year (PDF)
Awards FAQ (PDF)
View the 2024 Safety Awards of Excellence honorees

PowerTRX Safety

Lineworker on top of a utility pole wearing a toolbelt filled with tools, powerlines are in the foreground A tool to help utilities document and analyze safety-related events and activities: tailgate meetings, job safety briefings, crew and vehicle inspections, injuries, near-misses, and investigation reports.

Learn more about PowerTRX Safety

Existing User? Access PowerTRX

Safety Manual

Cover of APPA's Safety Manual, 17th edition The premier source for safety compliance information for electric utility safe work practices. The 17th edition features the latest Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Electrical Safety Code updates and new sections on topics such as communications and switching.

About the Safety Manual

Get your copy

Submit a change proposal for the 18th edition

Safety demonstration by Ft Collins Utilities crew members

Connect with Utility Safety Pros

Members can join the safety community group on APPA Engage to receive safety news, ask questions, get answers, and share best practices and resources.

Lineworker Caleb Brickhouse in a bucket truck

Join APPA's Safety Committee

Foster a strong safety culture across public power through informing the development of resources and sharing best practices that help utilities protect their employees, customers, and communities. Contact Safety@PublicPower.org for more

Public Power and NESC Standards

APPA and its members play an important role in shaping updates to the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), which is revised on a five‑year cycle. APPA brings members together to review existing standards, discuss proposed changes, and coordinate input to ensure that updates to the code remain practical, economically feasible, and aligned with public power safety needs.