California public power utility Glendale Water & Power recently shared major progress in workplace safety, employee preparedness, and operational readiness through its growing Utility Safety Section.
Over the past year, GWP has strengthened its safety culture through hands-on training, proactive inspections, updated equipment, improved emergency preparedness, and a renewed focus on accountability across utility operations, it said on Aug. 18.
These efforts have significantly improved GWP’s overall safety performance and helped create a safer work environment for employees across the utility.
Most notably, GWP has achieved a major safety milestone by reducing workers’ compensation cases related to workplace injuries from 14 cases in 2023 to zero cases in 2025, and with zero cases reported so far in 2026.
"This historic accomplishment reflects GWP’s continued commitment to preventing injuries before they happen and ensuring employees have the training, tools, and support needed to work safely," it said.
“This progress reflects the dedication of our employees and the strength of GWP’s proactive safety culture,” said GWP General Manager Scott Mellon. “Safety is fundamental to everything we do. By investing in training, modern equipment, preparedness, and accountability, we are protecting our workforce while ensuring reliable utility services for our community.”
GWP’s Safety Section has delivered more than 64 safety training classes in 2025, covering Cal/OSHA requirements and high-risk utility operations, including forklift recertification, excavation safety, traffic control, CPR/First Aid/AED certification, emergency response, and field-specific safety practices.
The section has also made several major improvements across the utility, including:
• Modernizing and annually updating GWP’s 400+ page Safety Manual
• Installing new Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at key facilities
• Implementing a portable welding fume extraction system to improve air quality and reduce hazardous exposure
• Upgrading fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and personal protective equipment inventory across GWP facilities
• Expanding Cal/OSHA-compliant field audits, inspections, and job-walk evaluations
• Strengthening incident tracking, corrective action procedures, and compliance readiness
• Securing City Council approval for a new Safety LMS/EHS software platform to improve training management, reporting, and safety analytics
GWP Safety personnel played key leadership roles in several complex safety and compliance efforts this year, including the safety response and Cal/OSHA-compliant remediation work following the Western Substation fire.
Additionally, Safety coordinated asbestos and lead testing across multiple operational facilities and participated in industry conferences and utility safety forums to stay aligned with evolving best practices.
“Utility safety requires constant attention, collaboration, and follow-through,” said Steve Nersesyan, Assistant General Manager overseeing GWP’s Utility Safety Section. “The progress we are seeing is the result of employees, managers, and leadership working together to identify risks, remedy issues promptly, and make safety part of everyday culture.”
"Employee safety and public service go hand in hand. When GWP crews are trained, prepared, and properly equipped, they can respond more effectively, reduce risks in the field, and help keep Glendale’s water and power services running safely and reliably. Reducing safety incidents, reduces work downtime, which translates to a reduction in the cost of maintaining our systems," the utility said.
These efforts directly benefit Glendale residents and businesses by supporting system reliability, reducing the risk of service disruptions, improving emergency readiness, and strengthening the utility’s ability to serve the community during both routine operations and emergency events, GWP noted.
“Our safety program is about more than compliance. It is about creating a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and care for our employees and our community,” added Mellon. “Every improvement we make strengthens our ability to safely serve Glendale today and into the future.”
GWP said it remains committed to advancing industry-leading safety practices while supporting long-term infrastructure reliability, workforce development, and operational excellence.
