"Owned by those we serve"
Lineworkers a vital part of cooperative
There are many high-risk jobs in the world — police officers, firefighters, pilots, soldiers. Other occupations that appear on lists of dangerous jobs include truck drivers, construction workers, loggers, fishers and farmworkers.
Such lists also include lineworkers.
Imagine a work day where you are lifted up in a bucket near high-voltage power lines. Or, you have to strap climbing spikes onto your legs and boots to maneuver your way up a pole because the bucket truck cannot get close enough. You may even have to do this in bad weather, late at night, on your day off and in the snow.
That is what lineworkers do, after all.
A lineworker’s clothing, insulated gloves, safety equipment and hard hats can make the difference between them going home safely or facing a life-threatening injury. It is the risk they take every time they go out to do their job. It’s the same each time they go up in a bucket, climb a pole or even work from the ground.
The job they perform may go unnoticed for long stretches — nobody gets upset or thinks twice when electricity works as it should. It’s only when electricity isn’t available that we realize how much we rely on it and how much our daily lives are impacted by the people responsible for making sure power flows smoothly.
Many of today’s new lineworkers learn basic skills through specialized education programs or schools. They also spend hours and hours learning more skills on the job, as well as attending regular safety trainings.
They are committed to the work they do and the communities they serve.
There are multiple dates set aside to honor lineworkers. April is a month many public and private utilities across the country show their appreciation for these skilled professionals.
North Alabama Electric Cooperative celebrates Lineworker Appreciation Day on the first Tuesday in June.
Really, the date doesn’t matter. We should all appreciate what lineworkers do to keep the lights on. So, if you see a lineworker, take a moment to thank them.
Everyone at NAEC certainly appreciates the work they do.