Matt Young, Manager of Safety, Training and Loss Control for Carroll Electric Membership Cooperative (EMC), recently earned the Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) designation through the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
The CLCP program prepares safety professionals to strengthen workplace safety practices while improving communication and leadership skills. The certification requires a minimum of one year of utility safety experience and completion of OSHA’s 30-hour course before admission.
Over approximately two and a half years, participants complete a combination of online coursework, live instruction, four in-person seminars, exams and a comprehensive final project. The program covers topics ranging from safety and loss prevention practices to industry regulations, incident investigation and leadership development.
“The CLCP certification is very demanding of time, both professionally and personally,” Young said. “The toughest part was the time spent away from family and other responsibilities while attending the in-person seminars and completing the required coursework and project.”
For his final project, Young focused on implementing personal voltage detectors at Carroll EMC. The project required participants to evaluate regulatory requirements, develop policies and procedures, and create a detailed implementation plan. As a result of Young’s work, personal voltage detectors are now part of the co-op’s personal protective equipment, providing crews with another layer of protection when working around energized equipment.
Beyond the coursework, Young said one of the most valuable aspects of the program was the opportunity to build relationships with peers from electric cooperatives across the country.
“We still communicate regularly with each other,” said Young.
Those connections create ongoing opportunities to share ideas and learn from real-world experiences.
“When you step outside your usual footprint, you gain a different perspective on how others approach safety challenges,” Young said. “That helps us strengthen our safety culture and better protect our employees and Members.”
This year’s graduating class included 32 safety professionals nationwide. Graduates were recognized during a ceremony in August in Madison, Wisconsin.
Carroll EMC is a Member-owned cooperative providing electricity to approximately 56,000 homes and businesses. The co-op serves Members in Carroll, Haralson, Heard, Paulding, Polk, Floyd and Troup counties. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information, visit the cooperative’s website at carrollemc.com or follow Carroll EMC on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X and YouTube. Carroll EMC: Community Built. Community Builder.
Author: Brittany Shadix
