Thank a lineworker on Lineworker Appreciation Day

Electric lineworkers provide an essential service: They install and maintain overhead and underground
power lines that keep electricity flowing. These specialized workers are on call 24/7 in case severe
storms or other circumstances cause the power to go out.

Lineworkers work with high-voltage electricity, often at great heights, in all kinds of weather conditions.
Maintaining the power grid is physically demanding. To become proficient, most lineworkers go through
a technical training program and first learn on the job as apprentices under the careful eye of seasoned
lineworkers who have earned journeyman status.

Electric power line installers and repairers held approximately 122,400 jobs in 2022, according to the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Nearly half of these employees worked for electric power
generation, transmission and distribution utilities.

Safety comes first

Lineworkers spend numerous hours in safety training each year and must understand and apply crucial
safety regulations.

Protective clothing is required to shield lineworkers since they work around high voltages. Collectively,
gear components can weigh up to 45 pounds.

According to the U.S. BLS, electric power line installers and repairers typically:

• Install, maintain or repair the power lines that move electricity.
• Identify defective devices, voltage regulators, transformers and switches.
• Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment.
• String (install) power lines between poles, towers and buildings.
• Climb poles and transmission towers and use truck-mounted buckets to access equipment.
• Operate power equipment when installing and repairing poles, towers and lines.
• Know and implement safety standards and procedures.

When a problem is reported, lineworkers must identify the cause and fix it. This usually involves
diagnostic testing using specialized equipment and repair work. To work on poles, they usually use
bucket trucks to raise themselves to the top of the structure, although all lineworkers must be adept at
climbing poles and towers when necessary. Workers use specialized safety equipment to keep them
from falling when climbing utility poles and towers.

Storms and other natural disasters can cause extensive damage to power lines. When power is lost, line
repairers must work safely and efficiently to restore service. We salute our lineworkers who work
around the clock to keep the power on. Their safety, as well as yours, is our top priority.

Source: SafeElectricity.org