Kirkland joins industry leaders to highlight how culture, accountability, and daily habits shape a safer workforce.
Safety was front and center mid-April as Michael Kirkland, CEO of Petit Jean Electric, joined industry leaders as a keynote speaker at the NRECA Safety Summit Conference. Kirkland shared the stage with Andrew Sikes, founder and CEO of Habits at Work, and Matt Hanson, CEO of McKenzie Electric, for a session titled “Safety Out There Comes from Safety Within.” 
The session focused on the idea that strong safety performance starts from within an organization through leadership, culture, and daily habits. Kirkland emphasized this message clearly, sharing that “safety starts with leadership.” His remarks highlighted the responsibility leaders have in setting expectations, modeling safe behavior, and creating a culture where every employee looks out for one another.
Also representing Petit Jean Electric at the conference were Allen Bradford, Safety Coordinator; Shawn Biggs, Chief Operating Officer; Adam Junkins, Construction Supervisor; Chris Perry, Crew Foreman; and Josh Baker, Crew Foreman. Their participation reflects the cooperative’s ongoing commitment to learning, training, and strengthening its safety culture at every level.
At Petit Jean Electric, safety is more than a priority—it’s a core value that is lived out every day. Crews take part in weekly safety meetings where they review procedures, discuss real-world scenarios, and stay sharp on best practices. Hands-on training, like pole top rescue exercises, ensures employees are prepared to respond quickly and effectively in emergency situations. These trainings, shown in the photos below, reinforce the importance of being ready, alert, and accountable on every job.
From leadership decisions to the work done in the field, the focus remains the same: ensuring employees return home safely while continuing to provide reliable service to members.
Be sure to watch this video featuring lineman Daniel Gardner walking through the safety gear they wear each day, explaining how each piece protects them on the job and the role safety plays in keeping not only themselves but those they work alongside. It’s a powerful reminder that safety isn’t just talked about. It’s lived out in every detail of the work, every day.
By Angie Hutchins, Communications
