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 Dangers of Lineman Work
Working as a lineman can be dangerous, with electric shock and electrocution being some of the top hazards. However, a way to minimize the risk is wearing personal voltage detectors like the Sixth Sense on hard hats.
Imagine being high up on a power pole, surrounded by live electrical wires, with no way of knowing if they carry a dangerous voltage. Many lineworkers face this daily, but they don’t have to. Lineworkers can protect themselves from electrical shock and electrocution dangers by wearing personal voltage detectors on their hard hats.
Lineman work is essential for keeping the power grid running smoothly, but it is also one of the most dangerous jobs. Electrocution and electrical shock are two of the most significant risks that lineworkers face daily. While safety gear, such as hard hats and rubber gloves, can provide some protection, they are not enough to keep lineworkers safe from the dangers of live electrical wires. That’s where personal voltage detectors come in.
What are Personal Voltage Detectors?
They are small, wearable devices that can detect the presence of voltage in electrical wires and equipment. They are designed to be worn on a hard hat and can alert the wearer to the presence of live electricity. This alert allows lineworkers to take necessary precautions and avoid electrical shock or electrocution.
How do they Work?
Voltage detectors use sensors to detect the presence of voltage in electrical equipment and wires. When a live wire is detected, the device will emit an audible or visual alert to warn the wearer of the danger. Some detectors also have additional features, such as LED lights that flash when a live wire is detected, making it easier to see in low-light conditions.
Why are Personal Voltage Detectors Important for Linemen?
The sixth sense is essential for lineworkers because they provide an extra layer of safety when working with live electrical wires. Without them, lineworkers would have to rely on their knowledge and experience to determine whether a wire is live. However, even experienced lineworkers can make mistakes, and that’s where these devices come in. By alerting lineworkers to live electricity, these devices can help prevent electrical shock and electrocution, keeping lineworkers safe on the job.
Lineman work is essential but also one of the most dangerous jobs.
Electrocution and electrical shock are two of the most significant risks that lineworkers face daily. However, lineworkers can minimize these risks by wearing personal voltage detectors on their hard hats and staying safe. These small, wearable devices provide an extra layer of protection, alerting lineworkers to the presence of live electricity and helping to prevent electrical shock and electrocution.
Our essential lineman gear list
We listen to our linemen and help share their experiences and feedback to develop an essential lineman gear list. We wanted to talk about the best lineman tools and equipment.
Every day when a lineman goes out on a job, it comes with a whole set of gear—everything from tools, climbing equipment, and clothing. Below is our top gear for the job.
Lineman climbing gear
Gear designed for the lineman to climb up the poles safely is essential. First, linemen need hooks and belts. These provide protection while climbing or performing work. Fall protection is a lineman harness designed to provide freedom of movement to allow the worker to perform his or her job and distribute fall forces safely across a worker’s body in the event of a fall. Lineman belt, which is a utility belt used by workers when climbing poles and towers for work. Position straps that are used to lengthen without removing weight from the lanyard. Lineman climbers are hooks linemen wear for climbing poles. Last but not least, linemen need a sturdy braided nylon rope. This provides a movable anchor point for safe climbing.
Lineman safety gear
Safety is our focus. So naturally, we encourage our lineman and all high-risk nighttime jobs to invest in the Halo SL. Being seen at night is paramount to every job. We want to illuminate people at risk, making them safer in any environment. The Halo SL is right for the job. Linemen are working in high-risk conditions and need to see the task at hand and be seen while doing it.
A hard hat is a must for the job. The Halo SL fits perfectly on the standard hard hat.
Safety glasses are another essential item. The glasses provide safety for the eyes against any flashes or foreign objects.
What tools does a lineman need?
A typical lineman should have a number of hand tools, including hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, sockets, ratchets, crimping tools, wire stripping tools, skinning knives, bolt cutters, and a hot stick.
Lineman clothing
Rubber sleeves are worn to protect the linemen from incidental contact with power lines. Flame-resistant clothing. Clothes that are specially made to resist against flashes from an electrical arch. Rubber gloves and steel-toed boots are the last pieces of the lineman clothing apparel.
