Electric cooperatives are constantly focused on safety—for their lineworkers and other employees, as well as the people they serve. That focus means open communication and looking out for both the physical and mental health of co-op crewmembers.
On this episode of Along Those Lines, we’re joined by NRECA Director of Safety Programs Ken Macken and Johnie Hendrix, vice president of risk management and training for the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. They’ll talk about new ways that NRECA, statewide organizations and co-ops are working to improve safety, including the planned relaunch of the Speak Up, Listen Up program.
Ken and Johnnie will also share what to expect at NRECA’s upcoming Safety Leadership Summit in St. Louis, Missouri, which has already smashed past registration records. As of early March, more than 1,200 people were registered to attend, representing 428 co-ops and 48 states.
Listen to the episode below:
Editor’s note: Macken passed away April 18, just days after the conclusion of the 2026 Safety Leadership Summit. You can read more about his legacy here.