The fledgling electric utility industry began to expand rapidly during the war years of the 1940’s. Many new utility companies were formed, and existing companies were required to enlarge facilities to meet the growing demand for electricity. Coupled with this growth, however, was an accelerating accident rate among the electric utility workers. Electric contact injuries and fatalities became commonplace. To reverse the growing accident trend, a group of dedicated safety people from several southwestern Louisiana and southeastern Texas utility companies met in Beaumont, TX on August 24, 1950, to discuss the accident problems and to formulate some action plans to reduce the accident causes. At their initial meeting, the safety group determined to form an organization to be known as the Southwest Electric Safety Exchange (the “Exchange”). The Exchange would meet semi- annually for the purpose of reviewing safety matters of common concern to the electric utility industry.

At its inception, the primary goal of the Exchange was to develop guidelines, work procedures and safety rules for recommending to their respective companies that would help eliminate the tragic electric shock and burn accidents that were causing so much human suffering and were so devastating to employee morale. The newly formed Exchange, which by choice has no charter or creed, grew rapidly over the next few years. Numerous other companies were added to its membership. Today the Exchange has representatives from utility companies and contractors located in 8 states. It is imperative to the continuance of the Exchange as a successful accident control organization, that the concept of accident information exchange remain intact. All member companies must make a concerted effort to contribute to this portion of the Exchange meetings.