It’s no secret that a lineworker’s job is tough, but it’s a job that must be done, often in challenging conditions. This month, as we celebrate Lineworker Appreciation Day on April 11, I thought I’d share some interesting facts about electric lineworkers with you.
The work can be heavy, in more ways than one. Did you know the equipment and tools that a lineworker carries while climbing a utility pole can weigh up to 50 pounds? That’s like carrying six gallons of water! And lineworkers are required to climb poles ranging anywhere from 30 to 120 feet tall and must be able to work quickly and safely.
Lineworkers must be committed to their career because it’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. The long hours and ever-present danger can truly take a toll. In fact, being a lineworker is consistently listed in the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S.
Lineworkers often work non-traditional hours, outdoors in difficult conditions. Did you know that to become a journeyman lineworker can take more than 7,000 hours of training? That’s because working with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience and an ongoing mental toughness.
Nationwide, there are approximately 120,000 electric lineworkers. Farmers Electric employs 12 lineworkers who are responsible for keeping the power flowing to our members 24/7, 365 days a year. To do this, they maintain 1,807 miles of power lines across six counties. Being a lineworker may not seem like a glamorous job, but it is absolutely essential to the life of our community. Without them, we simply would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life.
So, the next time you see a lineworker, please thank them for the work they do to keep power flowing. Afterall, they are the power behind your power. Please join us as we recognize them on April 11 and follow “#ThankALineworker” on social media to see how others are recognizing lineworkers.