Our Line Workers Break a Sweat So You Don’t Have To

Summer temperatures are on the rise which means our line workers are enduring extreme conditions to provide reliable service and ensure the electricity stays on so customers can stay cool.

As the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA) and other industry leaders honor line workers nationwide for Line Worker Appreciation Day, we want to applaud the tenacity and dedication our line workers exemplify while safely serving our customers in the heat. 

Among those who help ensure our customers can run air conditioners, fans and appliances to stay cool is Brian Berry – a 13-year Ohio Edison line worker with a family history of linemen.

“In the winter, you can dress up for the cold but you can’t really dress down on this job for the summer heat,” Berry explained.

Managing through the hot weather is not made easier by safety equipment like rubber sleeves and rubber gloves that are necessary to stay safe while working. This, combined with the physical exertion required, can turn up the heat even more.  

“It’s just like working in a sweat suit all day long; you’re just drained,” said Berry. 

In order to beat the heat, stay energized and safe, line workers must take precautions like traveling with an abundance of water, scheduling breaks from the sun and communicating well with teammates.  

“Every morning we fill up a cooler with water and bring extra water,” said Berry. “Luckily with linemen, if you need a break, no one’s ever afraid to step up and give you a break if you need it.” 

Philip Spalding – an Illuminating Company lineman who’s been with FirstEnergy for 10 years – similarly expressed that keeping an eye on team members and watching for signs of dehydration and fatigue is crucial to avoiding heat-related illnesses and staying safe. 

“You really need to watch people that you’re working with,” said Spalding. “You get preoccupied with the work, and you don’t realize that you’re getting dehydrated.” 

While great communication, breaks and water help mitigate the effects of the sun, sometimes the sweat still rolls.  

“You’ll look back on a day and realize, ‘man I didn’t even use the restroom,’ because you sweat it out that much,” said Spalding.  

Luckily for line workers like Berry and Spalding, the heat is made more bearable by knowing how impactful their work can be to customers.  

“A lot of people realize how hard it is working in the heat and offer water and drinks all of the time,” said Berry. “We always have it on the truck, but it’s appreciated that they’re thankful that you’re out there getting the power back on.” 

While our line workers appreciate the kind gestures, it’s important to remember to steer clear from their work zones for your safety and theirs.