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Insights > A Safety Conversation with Chris Smith
A Safety Conversation with Chris Smith
02/22/2019
Chris Smith came to Entergy through little league baseball. His coach worked at the company and later hired Chris as a groundman. That was 34 years ago. Since then, Chris has worked his way through the ranks as a lineworker to his current role as a senior training specialist at our Knowledge and Skills Training center in Clinton, Mississippi.
What does our value of living a safe and healthy life mean to you?
I instill safety in everything I do, including taking safety home every day. I even bring it to my deer camp by giving CPR classes there. If we’re having a work day, I lead a safety meeting before we get started so everyone knows how we can stay safe while we work.
How does our safety principle that underscores people are the most critical element motivate you to work safely?
People are our company’s most tangible asset. From those on the front lines to those who work behind the scenes, we all pull together for the common good. At our training facility we have a wall of honor and it’s because of the people featured there that I’m inspired to work safely every day. They are the examples of how safety is part of you, not just something you do. I try to make sure everyone who comes through training there knows that safety is a core value for our company.
What is your proudest safety moment at Entergy Mississippi?
It’s rewarding when an employee calls me at night or on weekends to ask questions. That means they’re concerned enough about safety to get it right instead of taking a shortcut. One of my supervisors used to say that we can control two things – effort and attitude. If we give 100 percent effort in safety and have a positive attitude, then the results will speak for themselves. I try to pass that on. When employees know I am available 365 days to make sure they stay safe, no matter if I’m on the beach or in a deer stand, it makes me proud.
Would you like to join Chris as he helps power life for customers in the Southeast? Check out career opportunities with Entergy! You can also keep up with Entergy career opportunities by following us on LinkedIn!
