In the heart of a storm, one figure stands tall amidst the chaos: the lineman. This isn’t a job for the faint-hearted; it’s a profession that calls for courage, strength, and a willingness to stare danger in the face. Let’s peel back the curtain and take a hard look at the pros and cons, the challenges and rewards, of life on the lines.
What is the Danger of Being a Lineman?
Working as a lineman is a high-stakes game. The danger? It’s as palpable as the electrical current coursing through the power lines they work on. Linemen face hazardous weather conditions, high voltage electricity, and heights that would make most folks’ heads spin. Every day they strap up, they’re acutely aware they’re stepping into an arena where one false move can have deadly consequences.
The Hardest Part About Being a Lineman
Arguably, the toughest part about being a lineman isn’t the physical rigor – it’s the mental endurance. Yes, the job requires physical strength, but the mental grit required to maintain intense focus, make split-second decisions, and work for hours on end in punishing conditions is what separates the men from the boys.
What is the Leading Cause of Lineman Deaths?
The grim reality of this line of work is that it can be fatal. The leading cause of lineman deaths? Electrocutions. Handling high-voltage power lines is an inherently dangerous task, and a moment’s lapse can lead to a fatal accident. Add to this the risk of falls from significant heights, and it’s clear that a lineman’s job is one of the most hazardous in the world.
Cons of Being a Lineman
Besides the evident physical danger, being a lineman comes with its set of challenges. The job demands long, irregular hours, often in extreme weather conditions. It’s not just physically grueling; it’s emotionally taxing too. Being away from family during emergencies, holidays, or significant events can take a toll. The pressure of knowing that a simple mistake can cost lives adds a significant psychological burden.
Pros of Being a Lineman
But there’s a flip side to this coin, one that shines with the thrill of overcoming challenges, camaraderie, and a sense of accomplishment. The very elements that make the job tough also make it rewarding. Linemen often speak of the adrenaline rush that comes from tackling tough situations, the satisfaction of restoring power to a community, and the brotherhood that forms among their ranks. Financially, the job is well-compensated, with excellent benefits, acknowledging the high-risk nature of their work.
At the end of the day, the life of a lineman isn’t for everyone. It’s a tough gig that demands strength, skill, and courage. But for those who answer the call, it’s not just a job – it’s a commitment, a lifestyle, and a testament to their character. It’s about being the one who steps up, stands tall, and keeps the world turning, no matter what Mother Nature throws their way.
A Physically Demanding and Rewarding Job
If you prefer physical activity over a desk job, consider a career as a utility line worker. These professionals work to keep the power on for the millions of people who depend on electricity to keep their homes and businesses running. In this article, we’ll explore what line workers do, the requirements for the job, the training involved, and the demand for this profession.
What Does a Line Worker Do?
The primary mission of a line worker is to keep the power on. They install, repair, and replace power system components and utility equipment. This job may require climbing poles, working in trenches, or working remotely from helicopters. Every task requires training and experience to do the job correctly and safely. Workers must learn how to use the specialized tools and equipment necessary to the trade and the correct procedures for performing a job safely and effectively.
Requirements for the Job
A high school diploma or a GED is essential to becoming a line worker. While a college degree is not required, you must possess good math skills, including algebra and geometry. Line work is physically demanding, and you have to be fit – able to climb ladders and poles, work in uncomfortable positions for sometimes hours, and work out in the elements for long periods. You also need specialized PPE (personal protective equipment), weighing up to 40 pounds.
Training to Become a Line Worker
Classroom work is part of the training, as every line worker must understand how the entire power grid works, the equipment they will be working with, and critical safety procedures. Associate degree programs are available, and some apprenticeship programs with utility companies may include classroom instruction. The other aspect of training will require you to go out into the field with crew members to find out what they do and assist them in their work as you learn all the skills you will need in the trade. To work through your apprenticeship program and become a journeyman line worker, you may have to log up to 7,000 hours in the field.
Utility Line Worker Job Demand and Compensation
The need for utility line workers is estimated to grow by at least 8% in 2023 alone. The salaries for line workers are respectable, with apprentices earning wages starting in the $35,000 range and experienced journeymen line workers earning north of $80,000. Some line workers willing to travel to other parts of the country responding to events like hurricanes and storms can earn two to three times their hourly rate when responding to a disaster.
Line Work: A Dangerous but Rewarding Career
Being a line worker is one of the most dangerous occupations. Every year, roughly 2400 out of 100,000 line workers will suffer a serious non-fatal injury, often from an electric shock, a severe burn, or broken bones from falls. 42 out of 100,000 will suffer fatal injuries. Despite the risks involved, for some line workers, this type of work is rewarding, not just financially: this is essential work that makes a real difference in the lives of the people who suffer from disasters like hurricanes and storms.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have already predicted another higher-than-average storm season for 2022. So with hurricane season here, make sure your linemen are ready for anything.
Working day in and day out, linemen are critical to recovery efforts during a storm. In the days following a devastating event, community members look to linemen to restore the power and a sense of normalcy. Therefore, linemen must prepare in the days and weeks before to be ready when a storm strikes. As hurricane season ramps up, crew members should ensure their emergency contacts are up to date. Share this information with your company and fellow crew members. Make sure to have emergency contact information and insurance cards in your wallet.
Packing a grab-and-go bag with frequently used items will reduce the risk of forgetting things if you are in a hurry. Some useful items include a cell phone charger, personal hygiene items, a small first aid kid with frequently used medications and pain relievers, a change of clothes, glasses/contacts, etc. In addition, having a stash of your favorite non-perishable food and drink items can help keep your morale high when the long days stretch to nights with no break in sight.
The proper clothing and equipment will keep your comfort and safety a priority. Rain gear, tools, safety clothing, and accessories are all critical to getting the job done right. In difficult weather conditions keeping your equipment ready can be even more crucial. That is why the HALO™ SL hardhat light is a vital tool for your arsenal. With 360° visibility for a quarter-mile, powerful flood task lighting, and water resistance, it’s the last light you will ever need to buy. In addition, the rechargeable Lithium Ion battery will ensure you are never in the dark, even under challenging conditions.
As storm season picks up, we are grateful for brave linemen and other essential workers who race toward the storm to help rebuild devastated communities.
All of these things mentioned often cause electrical workers to become seriously injured. In addition to these constant threats, mother nature is constantly changing the environment. In some cases, these incidents can even be fatal. Recognizing the magnitude of these dangers and taking appropriate safety measures can help keep utility workers safe.
Some of the most common dangers of electrical linemen at work include:
Inadequate safety equipment. Utility companies are required to equip their crew with appropriate PPE. Two great pieces of equipment to help keep line crews safe and seen are our Halo SL and Sixth Sense. The Halo SL helps linemen see and be seen, and our Sixth Sense is a personal voltage, current, and fall detector.
Electrocution. Working around high voltage is dangerous. So we came out with a personal voltage, current, and fall detector. It senses what you can’t by sensing voltage and current to help workers stay safe while doing their jobs. For example, if power lines are damaged or improperly handled, they could electrocute workers. Sixth Sense detects voltage and current to help combat this problem.
Falls from heights. Linemen perform many tasks like installs, repairs, and upgrades from high heights. Working at heights puts them at risk of sustaining injuries from fall accidents. A Sixth Sense attached to their hard hat will send an emergency fall notification via SMS. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and keeping your crew informed of these accidents can be life-saving.
Extreme weather conditions. Some linemen like to storm chase. That is where the work is. Power linemen are often responsible for restoring power during significant storms. These crews are usually exposed to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy winds, rain, snow, ice, and flooding.
Long hours. Utility workers often work long hours, especially during an intense storm that requires emergency power restoration services. These long and intense hours can sometimes affect the worker’s performance, which can increase the risk of injury.
Motor vehicle accidents. When linemen crews are headed to restore power during a major storm, the driving conditions can be hazardous.
Exposure to toxic substances. Linemen can be exposed to asbestos. Modern power lines no longer use asbestos, but when working with older lines predating the 1980s, they can expose workers to this toxic substance.
How linemen can stay safe in the workplace. Many hazards put linemen at risk of injury or death, but there are several ways utility workers can keep themselves safe on the job. First, be aware of your surroundings. Staying aware of tools, equipment, and other workers helps eliminate potential hazards. Work in teams and maintain clear communication. Also, watch out for the safety of other crew members. Have proper utility tools and equipment. Practice patience and do not rush through a job. Practicing proper techniques and working slowly can help make sure the job is done correctly and workers are safe. Wearing the appropriate PPE. Having the right gear, especially when it comes to PPE, helps tremendously.
National Lineman Appreciation Day. After 2012’s Hurricane Sandy, the 113th Congress passed a bill designating April 18th is National Lineman Appreciation Day. The bill became law in 2013. National Lineman Appreciation Day honors the men and women who work around the clock to keep the power going. If the power is on, you likely have a lineman to thank.
A lineman’s job is one of the most essential jobs. Electrical linemen are some of the first people on the scene during and directly after a storm when the power goes out. These unsung heroes work with live power lines in challenging environments to keep our power up and running quickly, keeping us comfortable and safe.
ILLUMAGEAR’S ode to linemen. Fearless with high risk and a strong brotherhood. Linemen forged the backbone of the modern world by creating electricity for the masses. A grid connecting the east to the west and the north to the south sparked the evolution of a new kind of working man. Linemen understand discipline, rewarded by the pride of achievement and the stimulation of work.
We want to thank all the linemen and women for keeping our country running.
