People count on the electric company to keep their service going, but that takes considerable work. Those companies have to rely on the expertise of electrical linemen to keep the lines in good shape and to fix problems when they occur.
The very nature of electrical line work makes it highly unsafe for the workers. The risks they face each time they clock in should be mitigated by the electrical company they work for. Some of the more common issues these hardworking men and women face include:
Exposure to electricity
One of the most obvious hazards linemen face is exposure to high-voltage electricity. These workers are constantly near live wires, so even a momentary lapse in safety protocol or a faulty piece of equipment can lead to electric shock or electrocution.
Falls from heights
Many linemen work atop utility poles, towers and elevated platforms. A slip or equipment failure at those heights can lead to severe injury or death, so fall protection harnesses, proper climbing techniques and regular equipment checks are vital for minimizing this risk.
Weather and environmental dangers
Linemen often work outdoors in rain, high winds and even after natural disasters. These conditions increase the risk of accidents and make tasks more physically demanding. Heat exhaustion and lightning strikes are job-related concerns that can impact a lineman’s safety.
Immediate medical care is critical for any lineman who suffers an on-the-job injury. Those individuals should receive workers’ compensation benefits, but they will sometimes have to fight to get what they’re due. Those benefits include medical care expense coverage, but may also include partial wage replacement if the worker can’t return to work quickly.