Safety is at the Forefront of All We Do

AEP River Operations is an industry leader in safety, health and environmental protection. AEP River Operations has consistently outperformed the waterborne transportation industry as measured by the U.S. Department of Labor. Our employee injury rate is among the lowest in the inland barge and towing industry as measured by the American Waterways Operators, the national trade association for the barge and towing industry.

Each year, River Operations’ vessels are nationally recognized by the Chamber of American Shipping for both employee safety and environmental stewardship. AEP River Operations takes pride in its national recognition and industry leadership position, but the goal remains zero injuries and incidents.

Quarterly Safety Bulletin

AEP River Operations' safety initiatives include:

• Proprietary comprehensive training to impact actions and mental conditions
• A fully staffed Training Department and three shoreside deckhand training facilities, where new deckhands are extensively trained on actual equipment
• Onboard weekly crew safety meetings, and multiple training sessions and drills on every vessel 

AEP River Operations participates in the American Waterways Operators’ Responsible Carrier Program and holds seats on the Board of Directors, Interregion Safety Committee and RCP Accreditation Board.

AEP River Operations' Operations Manager, Matt Lagarde, also holds a seat on the U.S. Coast Guard's, Towing Safety Advisory Committee (TSAC).

Environment, Safety & Health Philosophy

No aspect of operations is more important than the health and safety of people. Our customers’ needs are met in harmony with environmental protection.

AEP is committed to social responsibility and sustainability. We are proactive in our efforts to protect people and the environment by committing to:

• Maintain compliance with all applicable ES&H requirements while pursuing the spirit of ES&H stewardship
• Ensure that people working for or on behalf of AEP understand and integrate ES&H responsibilities into their business functions
• Support continual improvement of environmental performance and pollution prevention
• Eliminate hazards through employee involvement and continual health and safety improvement

Monthly Home Safety Tip

May 2013: Sunburn Protection: On the Job and At Home

Stay out of the sun during peak hours. Between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm the sun's rays are at their strongest.  Spent these hours indoors if at all possible.

Keep covered up. Floppy hats and large umbrellas work well and so do beach cover-ups and long-sleeved cotton shirts; see your local sportswear store for special brands that allow for breathing as well as cover-up.

Use sunscreen on any exposed areas. An SPF of 45+ is recommended. Use chapstick with SPF on your lips. Follow the instructions on your sunscreen and always reapply after swimming.

Don't forget hard-to-reach places. Don't forget to cover the backs of your knees, back of your neck, elbows, back of your ears, tops of your hands and feet, if you're wearing sandals, flip-flops or going barefoot.

Don't lie in the sun purposefully seeking a tan. This is not only damaging to your skin, but you may burn the first few times you try it at the beginning of the season.

Put a small amount of sunscreen in your hair. Your scalp will burn if not protected. Cover it with a hat.  If exposed, don't forget to put sunscreen on your scalp where you hair is parted. Some shampoos and hair conditioners contain SPF protection as well.

Our Safety Record