Commitment to employee safety and strong workplace culture recognized nationwide
Steve Brooks, Carson Schramm, Chad Flegner, and Ross Hackbarth.
Waupun Utilities has been recognized on a national level for its commitment to safe work practices, earning the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Safety Award of Excellence.
The award was presented during APPA’s Engineering & Operations Conference, held March 29 through April 1 in Huntsville, Alabama. Waupun Utilities was among 240 public power utilities across the country to receive this distinction.
“The wellbeing of our workers is vital to keep our utility running at its best,” said Steve Brooks, General Manager of Waupun Utilities. “This award shows that we work hard to ensure everyone gets home safely.”
Utilities were evaluated based on their safety performance in 2025, including incident-free records, overall safety programs, and workplace safety culture. Participants were grouped by size and work hours to ensure fair comparisons.
According to APPA, the award reflects more than policies—it represents a deep, organization-wide commitment to safety.
“In public power, safety excellence isn’t achieved by chance; it’s earned through unwavering discipline, strong leadership, and a culture where every team member looks out for one another,” said Jon Beasley, chair of APPA’s Safety Committee and vice president of Electric Cities of Georgia. “These Safety Award recipients stand as proof that commitment and consistency save lives, strengthen communities, and set the benchmark for our entire industry.”
APPA has conducted its Safety Award program annually for more than 68 years. The association represents not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that provide power to more than 2,000 towns and cities nationwide.
Waupun Utilities continues to prioritize safety as a core value, ensuring reliable service while protecting the employees who make that service possible.