Emery Generating Station in Clear Lake, Iowa, has been recognized as one of the best power plants in the nation and it's due in part to the work of its employees, many of whom are members of Cedar Rapids Local 204.

The Alliant Energy-owned plant earned a spot in a list of the top 20 combined cycle gas-fired power plants for heat rates, a measure of the plant's efficiency. The list is published annually in Power Engineering magazine.

"It's an amazing accomplishment," said Kathy Lubbert, Local 204 member and materials coordinator. "And it's because of the culture here."

Local 204's 16 members work as control room operators, assistant operators, maintenance technicians, electricians, warehouse procurement materials coordinators and in instrument control. Emery operates two gas turbines and a steam turbine.

"Everyone here is striving for the same thing," said Local 204 steward Mick Merrill, a maintenance technician. "Every megawatt matters."

Lubbert and Merrill say there is a sense of ownership among the members, which contributes to the plant's efficiency. Decisions come from management, but everyone has a voice and is encouraged to offer input, they said.

"We don't look at it as 'us' and 'them;' it's 'we,'" said plant manager Craig Crawford. "Everyone shares ideas — good or bad — and everyone gives and accepts feedback."

Safety at the plant is equally important; it's been 13 years without a loss time accident.

"To go as long as they have [without an accident] is quite an accomplishment," said Local 204 Business Manager David George. "They take pride in their work, and in doing it right the first time."

Each day begins with a sit-down meeting among employees. They talk about everything from complacency and fatigue to maintaining balance and traction, whatever is needed to complete their responsibilities. If rigging is needed, for example, they make sure the proper protective equipment is worn.

The same goes for contractors, who must watch a safety video before conducting any work on site.

"A lot of contractors have said they like coming back for that reason, for the safety record," Lubbert said.

Communication is paramount, and employees aren't afraid to tell someone when they're not doing their job safely enough, though always respectfully.

"We're a small group; we have to take care of each other," Merrill said.

Considering the danger inherent in the work — working with high-pressure steam at temperatures over 1,000 degrees and multi-ton turbines moving 4 million pounds of air an hour — it remains an impressive record.

"It's a blessing to have the relationship we do with Local 204," said Mike Ravera, operation manager. "We wouldn't have the success we do without it. They're the experts. I just try to stay out of the way."

The team at Emery includes: Dallas Lubbock, Abram Frein, Jeff Hawbaker, Ted Baker Jr., Todd Mathers, Steve King, Neal Shaikoski, Mike Heaford, Mike Borrelli, Mick Merrill, Mark Lowe, Kathy Lubbert, Jeff Calland, Hugh Hugi, Gary Johnson and Jim Smith.

In Canada, young workers are three times more likely to be injured or killed in a workplace accident than their more experienced counterparts. That's why an organization called My Safe Work goes into high schools to educate students on workplace safety — before they enter the job market.

In April, Hamilton, Ontario, Local 105 RENEW/NextGen members Rich Dipietro and Sam Mercel joined a team from My Safe Work at Cathedral High School to talk to students about their own experiences with safety on the job.

"We're lucky at the IBEW," said Mercel, 26, an inside wireman and journeyman welder. "Safety is part of our training from day one, but young people in nonunion jobs or trades don't often get the same education."

My Safe Work founder Rob Ellis knows the consequences of improper training all too well. In 1999, his son, David, was killed at age 18 on his second day on the job at an industrial bakery. His compelling story is the starting point at the forums he and his organization hold, which reach more than 100,000 students each year across Canada.

Volunteers like Dipietro and Mercel, along with business leaders and other members of the local communities, called "safety champions" by program leaders, then participate in a question-and-answer session where they connect with students using examples from their own careers.

"The main session, and then a smaller setting afterwards in classrooms, was a great opportunity to talk to the kids about the IBEW and about how you shouldn't feel afraid to say 'no' if an employer asks you to put yourself in a risky situation," Mercel said. "University isn't the right choice for every kid, so I was glad we got to introduce them to the trades and to a union where we prioritize safety," he said.

First District Strategic Coordinator Kate Walsh says she's been encouraging NextGen committees at locals across Canada to get involved with My Safe Work whenever the organization comes to schools in their communities. "These kids relate to people who are closer to their own age, so young IBEW members can have a real impact."

Walsh, who attended the Hamilton session with Dipietro and Mercel, said one young woman in the classroom session asked her, "What's a union?" a question she was pleased to answer. "If we can teach these young people that there are opportunities for great, lifelong careers while we talk to them about safety, that's an added benefit," Walsh said.

Toronto Local 636 Business Manager Barry Brown is thrilled to see more young IBEW members across Canada getting involved with My Safe Work. His local has been involved with the organization for years, participating when they can and donating the proceeds of an annual golf tournament to the group for at least five years.

"The late First District Vice President Phil Flemming introduced us to Rob Ellis and My Safe Work years ago," Brown said, "And it's a cause we're really committed to. I'm happy to see other locals, and especially young members, getting involved."

As for Mercel, he says he's looking forward to his next opportunity to be a "safety champion" with My Safe Work. "It was my first time participating in an event like that, and it's nice to think you're helping some young person learn to ask the questions that will keep them safe on their first job."

RENEW/NextGen committees interested in getting involved with My Safe Work can contact Kate Walsh at Kate_Walsh@IBEW.org.