News & Press
In April, electric cooperatives across the state, including Tri-County EMC, take a moment to pay homage to the dedicated individuals responsible for, in simple terms, keeping our lights on. However, working as an electrical lineman is about as far from “simple” as an occupation can get. (86648002)
Lineworkers are ranked as one of the 10 most dangerous jobs in the country. From working with high-voltage equipment to climbing utility poles carrying 40+ pounds of equipment, safety must be kept at the forefront of a lineman’s mind at all times. Hours of technical and safety training are required to ensure that the men and women of this complex occupation have the skills to maintain a level head in an often extremely hazardous working environment.
During severe weather events that cause major power outages, lineworkers are among the first ones called. They must be ready in a moment’s notice to leave the comfort of their home and families, and knowing they won’t return until the job is done, often days later. In good weather and bad, linemen have your back and are ready to answer the call.
Being a lineworker may not seem like a glamorous job, but it is essential to the life of our communities. Without the exceptional dedication and commitment of these hardworking men and women, we would not have the reliable electricity that we need for everyday life. We are thankful not just one day in April but 365 days out of the year for the dangerous work that our linemen do.