By Kelly Bartsch on May 22, 2014 3:55 PM | 0 | 2.38

A coalition of more than a dozen Michigan utilities, telecommunications providers, waste haulers and union officials, along with Gov. Rick Snyder, the Michigan Legislature, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and Michigan Public Service Commission, joined forces at the Capital yesterday to promote safety for those working in and around roadways.

A representative from MDOT presented, on behalf of Gov. Snyder, a proclamation declaring May 22, 2014 as Michigan Roadside Safety Awareness Day, highlighting greater awareness for worker safety by obeying laws, slowing down and going around in construction zones, avoiding distractions when traveling through these areas, and being vigilant while in and near roadways.

In 2012, there were 11,000 construction zone and utility related crashes in Michigan, 24 of which resulted in fatalities. Many crashes were related to drivers being distracted by cell phones and/or ignoring safety zone speed limits.

Worker safety is a core principle
At DTE Energy, there are never lines of demarcation when it comes to safety. Roadway safety impacts all workers - represented and non-represented alike. We put the health and safety of our employees above all else.

"Safety is a core principle at DTE Energy," said Trevor Lauer, vice president, distribution operations. "Our number one priority is to make sure our colleagues get home safely to their families, every time they come in to work. We are committed to operating our businesses in a manner that keeps communities and our employees safe."

Dean Bradley, Business Manager and Financial Secretary, Local 17, commented, "We live in a society where distracted driving and the pace of everyday life have gotten the best of us. It's easy to become frustrated and want to speed through construction zones. These men and women are moms and dads, and our sons and daughters, working to support families. Every one of them deserves a safe place to work and an opportunity to go home safely to their families."

DTE roadway safety protocols
The DTE Roadway Worksite Protection Program establishes protocols to protect employees from the dangers of working on or near a roadway. The program ensures compliance and addresses a majority of roadway situations that DTE employees may encounter daily.

We put the health and safety of people first ... and know this responsibility rests with each of us.