Linemen work in all weather conditions to make sure our communities have the power to live their lives. It’s hard work, but it’s also rewarding.
The Danger
A lot of people know linework is dangerous because they work near high-voltage electricity. Move just the wrong way or lose focus for a split second, and it could be deadly. Strictly following all safety guidelines helps to minimize the risks, but it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of serious injury or death. You have to be aware of your surroundings and the safety of the person next to you. We often work on energized power lines, and you can’t always tell they are energized by just looking at them. You’re working with an element of danger that requires concentration, and there is no margin for error. The environment compounds the pressure, because when you need power most is usually when the weather is worst. They work in storms with rain, wind, extreme heat and cold, in the dark, or on the side of the road next to fast-moving traffic.
Many may not realize it, but linemen undergo years of training before they can officially be called a lineman. They typically start as apprentice linemen, helping crews with tools and keeping job sites safe while going through rigorous training that typically spans four years. After an apprenticeship, with thousands of hours of training under their belts, they become linemen and eventually move to journeyman lineman status. But the education is ongoing. Linemen continuously receive training to stay mindful of safety requirements and up to date on the latest equipment and procedures.
The Physical Demand
The daily expectations of a lineman are physically demanding, but this is the profession they signed up for—loading heavy materials, climbing poles and in and out of buckets. There are times when they must go places the trucks can’t, so it might be hiking through the woods loaded down with 40 pounds of personal protective equipment and materials. But that’s the job.
The Sacrifices
There are some sacrifices to being a lineman. They might be some of the first on the scene of an emergency, including car accidents involving power poles, structure fires and damage from severe storms. You don’t know what type of situation you’re going to face or when you’re going to face it. They can get calls at all hours and in the middle of the night. They are dedicated to making sure there is nothing standing in the way of helping our friends and neighbors get back to normal life.
It’s Worth It
One big thing that makes being a lineman worthwhile is the camaraderie. The line crews often feel a brotherhood. In this work, you have to depend on the person beside you in life-or-death circumstances. It’s a culture of safety, trust, teamwork and service. It’s all about keeping the teammate beside you safe and the lights on for everybody else.
CEC and its employees are members of the communities we serve. We live in the same neighborhoods. We shop at the same stores. Our kids go to the same schools. If your lights are off, there is a good chance ours are off too. So, you can trust that we are doing our best to get the lights back on as quickly and safely as possible–– so you can get back to normal life.