Huston Gillis, Lawrenceville's Public Works Director, has recently received recognition for completing a robust utility safety certification. The Certified Loss Control Program (CLCP), under the aegis of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association, is a significant achievement. It's a specialized course of study emphasizing safety within the electric utility sector—a necessity given the high stakes involved in the industry, as noted in a city announcement.
The Lawrenceville City Council commended Gillis's dedication and commitment to safety, "This is not only a great achievement for myself, but further supports the continued efforts the City has put on safety being a priority for all employees, citizens, and visitors," Gillis said in a statement obtained by the City of Lawrenceville's official website. This certification requires participants to navigate through an intense curriculum that includes, a 30-hour OSHA course and various seminars designed to ingrain the latest safety techniques in its students.
Huston Gillis joined the Lawrenceville Public Works team back in 2021, and less than three years later, he has climbed up the ranks to Director. His academic journey boasts a Bachelor from North Georgia College and State University along with a Master's from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, both of which surely provided a foundation for the rigorous CLCP certification.
Workplace safety is crucial, a principle that the CLCP emphasizes in training its candidates. In the United States alone, OSHA reports nearly 4 million workplace injuries per year, and safety professionals like Gillis are instrumental in reducing those numbers. Their work also enhance operational efficiency, which positively indirectly affect utility rates for residents.
Continuing education is a fundamental aspect of the CLCP, ensuring that certified professionals like Gillis remain proactive after earning their initial accolade. Annual training is mandated to maintain the certification, keeping the professionals updated of evolving safety standards and industry innovations. Beyond his personal achievements at Lawrenceville Public Works, Gillis is also putting his experience to work on a larger scale as an Executive Board member of Electric Cities of Georgia, where he influences 52 public power members across the state.
