Sentry employee wears gloves to protect his hands while performing turbine work.

Tools make work easier and more efficient. They protect us and lead us to safe, quality project delivery. But let’s think about the most important tool. It’s one we use every day, both on and off the job. It’s not a tool that can be bought, exchanged, or returned. In fact, there is no monetary value for this tool – our hands. Hands are one of the most incredible tools we use, so we need to take extra care to protect them.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 102,000 workers experienced a hand injury in 2020 that resulted in days away from work. These injuries include bruises, abrasions, cuts, burns, shock, fractures, amputation, and interaction with harmful substances.

In a 2019 American Clean Power hand safety campaign, the organization identified common hazards to hand safety for renewable energy companies.

These hazards include:

• Pinch Points (specifically with tower doors, hatches, gates, rotating shafts, torque tools, and dropped objects)
• Hot/Cold Materials
• Rotating Machines/Equipment
• Loose Clothing and Jewelry
• Automated Machinery
• Lack of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)
• Sharp Points/Objects
• Chemicals

Sentry teams increased energy reliability at the Lily Solar and Storage site in Kaufman County, Texas, with the successful installation a 50 MW battery energy storage system (BESS).

Clean. Reliable. Sustainable. Renewable energy pushes the bounds of innovation every day with cost-effective energy solutions that encourage job creation and unlimited possibilities for our nation’s energy future. Sentry Electrical Group is proud to be an active partner in driving these opportunities with our safe, quality performance that aids in the success of the entire clean power community.

According to the American Clean Power (ACP) Clean Power Quarterly Report Q3 2021, the United States now has 186,674 MW of operating clean power capacity, and this number is quickly growing. The industry is currently developing 904 projects that total 109,596 MW of capacity, including 38,122 MW under construction and 71,474 MW in advanced development.

By staying on the cutting-edge of technology, renewable energy companies – like Sentry Electrical – continue to advance and grow the industry’s success as a viable source for our nation’s clean energy future.

These technologies include:

• Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are an integral part of all solar power plants and are critical to the viability of solar energy as a solution to our nation’s energy needs. Sentry utilizes cutting-edge technology to provide the design and engineering necessary to safely and efficiently maximize storage capacity and long-term use of energy storage systems.
• Fiber optic installation, repair, and testing technologies increase efficiency and effectiveness of fiber work. Sentry crews maximize reliability with state-of-the-art fiber optic splicing and installation technologies, such as blowing the fiber rather than pulling it. This technique decreases splice points and damage to the cable.
• Light mitigation technology was developed through a partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and clean power players. To minimize light pollution caused by wind farm lights remaining on at all times, aviation detection lighting systems (ADLS) use radar to activate lights only when an aircraft is nearing a wind farm.

Safeguards are intentionally ensured throughout Sentry work, putting the health and safety of employees and surrounding communities first.

Emergencies are unexpected. They threaten worker safety and disrupt operations. They can be from natural disasters or manmade. But another fact about emergencies: They can be prepared for. Sentry’s Emergency Action Plan ensures efficiency and effectiveness if an unanticipated event were to occur.

Sentry Electrical Group is a leading electrical contractor for renewable energy, utility, and industrial construction services. Their expert deliverables include tower wiring, transmission and substation construction, operations and maintenance (O&M), collection systems, industrial controls and automation (IC&A), material handling, utility substation construction, battery storage, fiber optic operations, and emergency response.

“We are electric utility construction renewable leaders in both the sense of operations and safety. We don’t ever intend for an emergency to occur. In fact, our teams spend hours and hours each day ensuring that safety is deliberately weaved into every task of our operations to prevent the potential for an emergency. But the reality is, no emergency is ever planned,” said Safety Director Davis Webb. “But just because emergencies are unexpected, they can still be prepared for. Sentry’s emergency action plan ensures efficient and effective response should an emergency ever occur.”

Elements of Sentry’s emergency action plan include:

• Determination of emergency evacuation route and procedure
• Determination of those who control and secure the site
• Post-evacuation procedures, including rescue and first aid
• Reporting of the situation, including calling first responders and company personnel to secure the situation and maintain the site.

Sentry employees prioritize safety throughout their tasks, as pictured here with employees performing operations and maintenance (O&M) services.

CLEANPOWER 2021 is right around the corner. As one of the premier events for players in the renewable energy industry, the conference and tradeshow advances the industry through discovery and networking. Sentry Electrical Group – a leading electrical contractor for renewable energy, utility, and industrial construction services – will be there. Come see us at booth #510!

Multiple Sentry employees will be attending CLEANPOWER 2021, including:

• Norm Cowden, President
• Mike Knowles, Director of Business Development
• Dave Hedden, Director of Wind Business
• Tim Franklin, Chief Estimator
• George Tapia, Director of Operations and Maintenance
• Howard Campbell, Business Development Manager

Visit booth #510 to meet our team or contact Howard Campbell to set up a meeting time so we can find out how we can serve you.

“Sentry doesn’t believe in just individual responsibility when it comes to safety,” said Safety Director Davis Webb. “We take a team approach. It is the responsibility of each worker to ensure the safety of the entire site. It’s who we are. It’s how we perform. It’s our Family First. Safety Always. mentality.”

Working from height does not necessarily mean working atop a 200-foot wind turbine or 40 feet up on a substation project, as Sentry employees often do. Working from height begins when you are just six feet off the ground. It is at this height that additional safety precautions must be taken, such as wearing fall protection. But there are also times when fall protection is even needed when feet are planted on the ground, such as when working around holes, wall openings, ramps, and excavations. Like working at height, these scenarios pose potential fall hazards.

So how does Sentry keep employees safe when the potential to fall is a risk? Preventative safety measures – as identified by both supervisors and workers – are taken. Conventional fall protection systems – including guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems and components – protect employees from fall-related injuries. Depending on the work environment, other safety systems are also considered, including warning line systems, controlled access zones, and safety monitoring systems. Additionally, general house-keeping (cleaning and clearing walkways, spills, etc.) is performed, and PPE is appropriately worn.

“The first steps in preventing injuries while working from height are workers completing thorough training programs and having a hazard identification and elimination plan. This plan should be created by a qualified person and include specifics like locations, reasonings, and PPE. It must then be discussed, understood, and performed as a team. We encourage anyone on the team to contribute to these plans and conversations. After all, safety is not successful without a team commitment.”

Sentry Electrical Group values the health and safety of everyone on their job sites. Their safety culture is not limited to regulations deemed by management. Rather, it is a team approach that is continually enhanced through interactive safety discussions, Stop Work Responsibility, toolbox talks, job safety analyses, job hazard analyses, and other safety-related tools. These tools, in collaboration with training and comprehensive plans, ensure that all workers are safe while working at height.

Winter is coming. For many people throughout North America, that means unbearably cold temperatures, snow, and ice are also in the near future. It may be beautiful to watch, but winter conditions complicate outdoor work – including Sentry Electrical Group’s industry-leading electric power construction work.

So what should workers do to ensure their safety, as well as the safety of the entire job site, in these harsh seasonal conditions?

“Unlike other industries that work in a controlled environment, safety precautions needed in the construction industry vary based on weather,” said Sentry’s Safety Director Davis Webb. “We work with our crews to ensure that they not only know what precautions to take, but are consistently protecting themselves and others in these extreme weather conditions.”

Sentry Electrical Group employees understand extra safety precautions are needed when working in extreme weather conditions.

These precautions include:

• Prepare your vehicle. Before hitting the road, whether for a quick commute or a long trip, be sure that your vehicle is ready. This includes routine maintenance (oil level, gasoline, wiper fluid, tire pressure and condition, etc.) and stocked for emergencies (phone charger, blanket, water, jumper cables, etc.).
• Select appropriate clothing and PPE. Wearing correct PPE is always essential. However, the type of PPE worn may change in winter environments. Wear insulated PPE when available and protect the body from moisture. Additionally, ensure work boots have adequate tread to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
• Keep warm and dry. Working in cold weather increases the risk of cold weather-related conditions, such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wear cold weather and water protection that is approved for work to prevent severe body stress.
• Walk like a penguin. Imitating a penguin (feet facing slightly out, shuffle feet, walk slowly, arms by side) can actually help you avoiding slipping and falling when walking on slick surfaces.
• Give yourself extra time. Whether walking, driving, or performing work, always give yourself extra time in the winter. Winter tasks often take longer to complete. Moving faster in hazardous conditions to speed up these tasks increases your chance of incident or injury. Instead, give yourself extra time and take it slow.
• Stay hydrated. You may think the importance of drinking water is only necessary in the hot summer months. But staying hydrated is also very important in extremely cold conditions. Dehydration actually increases the risk of frostbite.
• Avoid overexertion. Working in cold weather puts extra stress on your heart. Be sure to take breaks and not push your body past its limits when working in these conditions.

“With the cold weather approaching, our teams are taking time to discuss potential weather-related hazards to ensure the safety of all our employees throughout their work days,” said Davis.

As a leading electrical contractor serving the renewable energy, utility, and industrial construction sectors, Sentry employees work around these hazards every day. From battery storage systems and substation construction to high-voltage power line emergency response and tower wiring, Sentry provides a variety of electrical services. Employees cannot enter the jobsite until they adequately understand how to safely mitigate electrical hazards—keeping not just themselves, but the entire job site safe.

The basis of Sentry Electrical Group’s hazard prevention begins with its Family First. Safety Always. safety program.

Prevention

The first step in keeping workers safe is through prevention. When it comes to electrical safety, Sentry’s preventative tactics and safeguards, include:

• Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). The manufacturer’s arc thermal performance value (ATPV) indicates level of protection the PPE provides against thermal heat.
• Understanding potential hazards. Training, hazard analyses, and prejob briefs equip workers to identify hazards.
• Ensuring tools and equipment are in good condition. Faulty tools and equipment lack integrity required for safe work.
• Applying lock out/tag out (LOTO) practices. LOTO ensures both electrical and non-electrical workers identify and control hazardous energy.

Hazard prevention is ineffective, though, if it is not rooted within a strong safety culture.

Safety Culture

Sentry’s safety motto, Family First. Safety Always., highlights the organization’s team mentality ensuring the entire workforce returns home safely to their families each day. It is not solely the responsibility of management and supervisors to keep workers safe. Rather, each individual plays an active role in watching out for one another. This includes reporting unsafe situations, mentoring, and stopping work if a situation seems unsafe.

Sentry Electrical Group cares about the health and safety of all employees and understands the electrical construction industry. The organization focuses on hazard prevention, and its strong safety culture ensures each employee returns home safely at the end of the day.

“Sentry Electrical Group is an industry partner committed to the health and safety of our workforce and communities we serve,” said Davis Webb, safety division director. “We participate in Safe + Sound Week to reinforce our management and employee collaboration to identify and eliminate potential hazards, enhancing our Family First. Safety Always. commitment to each other.”

Family First. Safety Always. is Sentry’s health and safety program that integrates OSHA’s three components of a successful program: management leadership, worker participation, and finding and fixing hazards.

Sentry’s management leadership sets the framework for health and safety expectations throughout the organization. Leadership is actively involved in the health and safety program both on site and in the office, and also collaborates closely with employees by encouraging worker participation. Sentry’s crews are given the authority and responsibility to contribute to and enhance the organization’s program through safety tools, such as Stop Work Authority. Sentry teams use other safety tools – including safety minutes, toolbox talks, job safety analyses, job hazard analyses, and pre-job briefs – to systematically find and fix hazards.

Davis added, “Our safety program encourages our entire workforce to collaborate with one another in continually strengthening our safety program. I love that Safe + Sound Week dedicates a week to enhancing this concept alongside organizations throughout the country.”

2021 Safe + Sound Week will be observed August 9 – 15. More information about how to participate and develop a safety program focused on management leadership, worker participation, and finding and fixing hazards can be found on OSHA’s website.

Sentry Electrical Group employees aren’t always working at substantial height on wind energy projects. In fact, that is only one of the many components of Sentry’s diverse electric power construction business. Sentry crews are often performing services that involve digging underground, such as substation construction, utility transmission, fiber optic cable repair and maintenance, and underground collection systems construction.

“We are not only committed to completing quality jobs, but we also have a strong commitment to the communities we serve. This includes making sure we operate safely with minimal environmental disruption, as well as zero damage to utility transmission,” said Davis Webb, Sentry’s safety director.

Sentry crews responsibly dig to install utility transmission lines that connect communities with reliable electric power.

Before Sentry employees dig on any project, they first call 8-1-1, the national Call-Before-You-Dig number, to have underground utilities identified and marked with paint or flags. When performing work around these areas, crews are especially careful to not hit the lines, which could interrupt utility transmission, lead to environmental impacts, or even cause injury.

“The 8-1-1 hotline is not just for energy contractors — like us — who are working on large projects,” said Davis. “Homeowners should also call to have utilities identified and marked prior to digging so lines are not unintentionally hit. This includes ordinary summer projects as simple as digging a flowerbed.”

Sentry values the safety of all employees and is committed to the communities it serves. Crews take necessary precautions prior to performing work – such as digging – to ensure these values are upheld.

Visit the 811 website to learn about your state’s digging laws and processes.

Price entered the wind turbine industry 17 years ago when constructing wind turbines in California.

He gained significant experience while managing O&M daily operations and advancing his business development skills for organizations throughout the United States, Latin America, and Canada during his time with various organization, including World Wind & Solar and Axis Renewable Group – where he was a founding member for both.

Most recently, Price worked for BayWa r.e. overseeing balance of plant (BOP) and daily operations of 350MW throughout four wind farms.

Sentry’s newly launched O&M division provides comprehensive operations and maintenance solutions –including annual and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, design modifications, warranty support, and ad-hoc requests – to both existing and new customers, such as wind and solar independent power producers (IPP) and wind turbine original equipment manufacturers (OEM).

“After working with Sentry on multiple projects over the last several years, I really got a chance to understand the company’s mission, goals, and culture. It was a no-brainer to me that I, too, wanted to be part of Sentry’s innovative team,” said Price. “I look forward to integrating my unique skills and experience with George and the rest of the team, further building Sentry as the leader of independent service providers across the United States and Canada.”