You might think of our line workers when they’re hard at work during a storm that’s causing outages, but the reality is JOEMC line crews work hard, day in and day out, to make sure members have reliable, safe electricity. Our crew members put their lives on the line.
It’s no secret that a line worker’s job is tough. It’s a job that’s essential and often performed in challenging conditions. Nearly every day, our dedicated crew members put their lives on the line. This month, as we celebrate Line Worker Appreciation Day on April 10, I want to recognize the outstanding individuals who serve their community in this role— one that’s among the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States.
Their work can be heavy, in more ways than one. Did you know the equipment and tools a line worker carries while climbing a utility pole weigh up to 30 to 40 pounds? They’re also required to climb poles ranging from 30 to 90 feet tall. It’s not a job for the fainthearted!
They often work non-traditional hours, outdoors and under challenging conditions. The job requires technical skills, years of training, and hands-on learning. And at JOEMC, becoming a journeyman line worker can take up to seven years of on-the-job training; working with high-voltage equipment requires specialized skills, experience, and ongoing mental toughness. Shortcuts are not an option, and this line of work has no room for error.
Despite the many challenges, Jones-Onslow’s line workers are committed to powering our communities. They must be ready to leave the comfort of their homes and families when severe weather strikes without returning until the job is done, sometimes days later. That’s why the line worker’s family is also dedicated to service. They understand the importance of the job to the community.
Our Jones-Onslow line workers maintain over 2,500 miles of power lines across six counties. Today’s line workers are also information experts who use laptops, tablets, drones, and other technologies to map outages, survey damage, and troubleshoot problems. Line workers are essential to our quality of life. With their exceptional dedication, we have the reliable electricity we need daily.
So, the next time you see a line technician, please thank them for the work they do. Join us as we recognize them on April 10 by sharing your appreciation on our social media channels or whenever you see a line worker in your community!
