Pacific Gas and Electric Company is taking STKY frontline safety to the next level
At Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), safety isn’t just a policy—it’s a core value woven into every aspect of operations. Now, the California-based utility is taking a new step toward strengthening that culture by launching a STKY (stuff that will kill you) Safety Culture Program focused on frontline workers. “We (PG&E) made a renewed commitment in 2024 to eliminating Serious injuries and fatalities (SIF’s) by partnering with our union leadership and our frontline to make it a reality; this program rollout demonstrates frontline coworkers supporting their peers to increase risk identification and drive culture behaviors with a heavy focus on high-energy and controls to fail safely,” said Kcammee Vreman, Senior Director of Gas Operational Excellence and one of the sponsors of the program.
Part of PG&E’s broader Safety Excellence Management System (PSEMS), the program is designed to further embed safety culture mindsets within the organization and build the capacity to fail safely through internal mentors across the enterprise, use of the Energy Wheel and focus on STKY and high energy hazard controls. It utilizes internal mentors alongside frontline leaders, creating opportunities for field-based observations, one-on-one mentoring, and open conversations about safety challenges in day-to-day operations.
While PG&E has long emphasized leadership engagement, risk management, and technical training through initiatives like the Winters Gas Safety Academy, this new program sharpens the focus on human factors—behaviors, communication, and cultural norms that influence safety outcomes. Dr. Steve Simon from Culture Change Consultants, who has been partnering with PG&E for the last few years said, “Culture and trust are fundamental elements to preventing STKYs. PG&E is rare in incorporating these key elements of understanding into a strong, continuous focus on safety culture.”
While every utility faces unique operational challenges, PG&E began with a pilot which offered practical lessons for others in the industry:
- Start Small, Scale Strategically: Piloting a program within one operational region or business unit allows organizations, gather feedback, and measure outcomes before expanding systemwide.
- Leverage Existing Safety Leaders: Rather than relying solely on external consultants, utilities can identify seasoned internal safety professionals or peer mentors to serve as trusted advisors — fostering credibility and providing feedback on how the leaders’ example, conversations and decisions impact safety performance and safety culture, as well as offering suggestions to improve.
- Integrate with Existing Safety Frameworks: PG&E’s program complements its existing PSEMS structure. Utilities should aim to align new initiatives with their current safety management systems, ensuring consistency and leadership support.
- Focus on Psychological Safety: Beyond technical protocols, coaching should encourage open dialogue about concerns, near misses, and opportunities for improvement without fear of retaliation.
Industry experience suggests that a frontline safety program can be scaled to fit a variety of budgets. Key cost drivers typically include:
- Coach Compensation: Whether utilizing full-time dedicated coaches, part-time safety professionals, or rotating peer mentors.
- Training and Resources: Developing coaching guides, communication support, reporting tools, and training workshops.
- Program Management: Oversight, scheduling, and continuous improvement evaluation.
For many utilities, starting with a pilot in one region or operational area allows for more manageable costs, often requiring modest additional investment when leveraging existing personnel as coaches. The value, however, can be significant—reducing at-risk behaviors, and strengthening overall safety culture.
PG&E’s STKY Safety Culture Program underscores a growing recognition within the gas utility sector: operational excellence depends as much on leadership and culture as it does on procedures and equipment. As PG&E gathers insights from its program, the utility expects to refine and continue to expand the program in the coming months.
For other gas utilities, this initiative represents a proactive, people-centered safety culture—one conversation, one job site, and one employee at a. time.