Safety begins at the highest levels of Westar Dedication from executives, management & supervisors Expected from all employees Safety is a core value "We will never trade your health and well being for getting the lights on, generating electricity, or servicing a customer." Doug Sterbenz Executive Vice President Chief Operating Officer

VPP status has been earned at three generation plants. All three plants have continued their STAR status with annual reviews and recertifications with OSHA. VPP philosophy has affected other areas of the company even though they are not in the VPP program.JEC2007 GEEC2007 MGEC 2010

The plant and field Safety & Training departments combined in 2007 creating a centralized safety and training organization for Westar. Dedicated full time coordinators for both safety and training in the field and in the plants. Established plant safety specialists positions utilizing union employees in 1999.

Developed safety campaigns used in Safety Conferences, Meetings and Tours to promote Safety throughout the company. Safety Reunion Conferences started in 2004 Safety Kickoff week started in 2004 Safety Leaders Conferences started in 2008 Safety Tour started in 2011 Safety Rally started in 2012

The Westar Energy Safety Manual is reviewed annually, keeping employees updated. Combined Safety Manuals in 2009 for total company. Created a General Safety section that applies to every employee.

With the centralized training efforts by Safety & Training, the Professional Development Center was opened in The PDC provides classrooms and conference rooms available for training and meetings. Utilized by all departments of the company.

The Safety Observations assist management in gauging how well we are communicating our safety programs to the employees and their understanding of those programs. It is designed to assist in the detection of any unrecognized hazards associated with a specific job or work location. The observations open communication between management and craft personnel. The Peer 2 Peer observation program was developed for the union hourly employees in 2008.

Contractor Safety Orientations were developed for field and generation contractors working on Westar property. Contractors are subjected to the same level of safety expectations as our employees. All contractors awarded projects are provided with the Westar Energy Safety Manual and are expected to comply with all requirements. Safety observations are performed on all projects with contractors.