Power linemen play an essential role in our lives. They are the ones responsible for keeping our homes, businesses, and communities powered up and running. But have you ever stopped to consider the risks and dangers that come with their job? Power linemen face some of the most dangerous working conditions in the world, and their job is not for the faint of heart.
When facing a power outage, instead of complaining about not being able to use your AC or watch TV, spare a thought for the linemen who work tirelessly to restore your electricity. These brave individuals are lifted up to 50 feet in the air in a bucket above a utility truck, dealing with deadly hot cables to get your power back on. They are among the most dependable people you will ever meet, always ready to help regardless of the situation.
If you’re looking for a job that offers a decent income with plenty of overtime, you should consider becoming a lineman. Linemen work tirelessly, regardless of weather conditions or whether wires are down due to squirrels or storms. It’s a job that not everyone can do, as it requires working at great heights and dealing with high voltage power.
Here are some terrifying realities about power linemen that you may not have known before:
1-It’s Not an Occupation For the Fainthearted
It’s not a job for the faint-hearted. Working on high-voltage power lines in stormy weather, hanging hundreds of feet in the air, is not for those with weak hearts. One small mistake can result in permanent injury or even death.
“The ultimate goal is for that person to go home the way they came to work,” said Chris Yourishin, a line crew manager. “Working on that, it takes one lapse and it’s permanent.” “It’s a fatality or an electrocution.”
2- It’s Something We Take For Granted
It’s a job that’s taken for granted. Linemen work to ensure that your lights stay on, even in the most extreme weather conditions. They wear protective gear from head to toe, including rubber sleeves, thick rubber gloves, non-flammable clothing, eye protection, harnesses, boots, and hard hats. On average, a lineman carries at least 30 pounds of equipment and tools.
3- Most Strenuous Job in The World
It’s one of the most physically demanding jobs in the world. Linemen must be physically fit and able to climb and replace utility poles. They work in hot temperatures while wearing heavy rubber clothing, and in the worst-case scenarios, they may have to drag poles by hand. The job requires a lot of stamina, dedication, strength, and mental alertness.
See Also: Top 10 Most Dangerous Jobs in The World
4-Prone to Injuries
Linemen are prone to injuries. They face many dangers daily, including heat exhaustion, falls, and electrocution. In hot weather, wearing protective gear can cause dehydration. The average age of a fieldworker is 50.
See Also: 48 Spine Chilling Linemen Photos During Work
5-Same Old Technology
Technology hasn’t changed much. Despite technological advancements, the job of a lineman remains much the same as it did in the days of old black-and-white movies. There is still no substitute for a skilled worker who is willing to climb high above the ground to negotiate with dangerous equipment.
“Thomas Edison would recognize the systems that are in place today, the poles and wires that deliver power across the community. “They are pretty much the same ones for decades,” Wood, a line crew manager, said.
Got power, Thank a lineman
In summary, linemen are unsung heroes who work tirelessly to ensure that our electricity stays on. Their job is physically demanding, dangerous, and often taken for granted. If you ever have the opportunity to thank a lineman, be sure to do so.
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