Photo provided to the Times Observer Local Pennsylvania American Water employees, from left, include Seth Kelly, Jon Natale, Scott Dexter, Willy Waterhouse, Jason Fehlman, and Sean Graves

Pennsylvania American Water has recognized the local Warren crew for 10 years of no accidents and injuries.

Senior Manager of Operations Jon Natale called it a “tremendous goal” in light of some of the challenging conditions that crews work in.

“Our awareness to safety is paramount,” he said, with accomplishments like the result of the people that they hire.

Locally, Ryan Irwin said the last injury was a sprained ankle 10 years ago. Before that, it had been nine years since a back injury.

“The guys all look out for each other,” he stressed.

He said local employees were involved in removing items from a burning van on Conewango Ave. as well as stabilizing a vehicle that had gone over a guardrail on Rt. 59.

“In the community, these guys are just unbelievable,” Irwin said.

Natale said about one-third of the 15 Pennsylvania American Water districts are in double digits years like this.

“The safety attitude is extremely consistent,” he said. “We strive for zero injuries.

“It’s the culture,” Sean Graves, director of operations, added. “The culture in the workplace is what drives this. (They) have each other’s back.”