09 Apr April is National Lineworker Appreciation Month – Heroes Wear Hard Hats

National studies consistently rank electric lineworkers among the most dangerous jobs in the country, and for good reason. Laboring high in the air, wearing heavy equipment and working directly with high voltage creates the perfect storm of a dangerous and unforgiving profession. But electric lineworkers are up to the task. These brave men are committed to safety, as well as the challenges of the job.

Lineworkers are not just linemen. Southwest Electric includes linemen, servicemen, right-of-way workers, engineers and substation, staking and meter technicians, as well as mechanics and warehouse employees as lineworkers. These lineworkers are responsible for keeping power on day and night, regardless of national holidays, vacations, birthdays, weddings or other important family milestones. Beyond the years of specialized training and apprenticeships, it takes internal fortitude and a mission-oriented outlook to be a good lineworker. In fact, this service-oriented mentality is a hallmark characteristic of lineworkers. The job requires lineworkers to set aside their personal priorities to better serve their local community.

Family Support System

To perform their jobs successfully, lineworkers depend on their years of training, experience and each other to get the job done safely.

Equally important is their reliance on a strong support system at home.

A lineworker’s family understands and supports their loved one’s commitment to the greater community every day, but especially during severe storms and power outages.

This means in times of prolonged outages, the family and their lineworker may have minimal communication and not see each other for several days. Without strong family support and understanding, this challenging job would be all the more difficult.

Community Commitment

In our service area and across the country, electric cooperative lineworkers’ mission-focused mentality of helping others often extends beyond their commitment to their work at the cooperative. Lineworkers are often familiar figures in the community. They can be found coaching youth sports teams, volunteering for local charities and supporting their schools and churches.

Thank You

Monday, April 8 is Lineworker Appreciation Day. Given the dedication of Southwest Electric’s lineworkers, both on and off the job, we encourage you to take a moment and acknowledge the many contributions they make to our local community. And if you see their family members in the grocery store or in the community, please offer them a thank you as well.