Fall Season: Safety Tips for Linemen
Summer is over and Fall has officially arrived. With the changing seasons, linemen now must deal with less daylight throughout the day and more wet and slippery conditions when on the job. The weather begins to change fast and you must prepare as necessary. Safety risks include possible slips, falls, electric shocks, burns, cuts, and other potentially dangerous incidents.
Linemen are extremely hard workers, dedicated to their job. Without them, there would be times when we wouldn’t have power or heat when we need it the most. It is a dangerous but vital occupation, and we want to make sure that our line men and women are always safe. Here are some tips and advice for our readers before you go out on the job.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Linemen must wear the proper attire in the fall season due to safety concerns. In the northern states, the weather can range from 30 degrees to even 80 degrees at times. When you’re working on a line, the fierce wind can blow directly into your face. Line workers should wear light and loose clothing to ensure a full range of motion as well as a face covering to protect against the wind. Wearing tight clothing can restrict blood flow which can increase the chance of an accident happening. Typically, linemen wear jeans and a long sleeve shirt no matter the season. If the weather gets relatively cold, then it may be smart to add a loose top layer.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
During the Fall, there is a chance that leaves and other debris may accumulate in your work area. Windy autumn days can cause leaves, sticks, and acorns to fall all over the place. You want to make sure that you are aware of this because it can cause concern when on the job. There also may be the chance you work on a day where it is raining outside. On those days, you need to watch out for slippery debris and possible thunderstorms.
Different locations will experience different weather too. An area such as New England may experience a possible snowstorm, and southern states may experience a heatwave or even a hurricane. Always be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
Have the Proper Safety Equipment and Lineman Tools
If you are an experienced lineman, then you have seen it all. You can’t get too careless when it comes to wearing the necessary safety equipment. One mistake could cost you your life.
Whenever you climb, you should include the following equipment:
- Hardhat
- Safety Glasses
- Rubber sleeves
- Rubber gloves
- Hearing protection
- Safety harness
- Flame resistant shirt
- Rubber glove protectors
- Hot stick
- Work-boots
- Leather tool belt
- Climber pads and straps
These items are incredibly crucial to have to avoid any serious injury. Before you go up, always make sure you have the tools needed. If you forget anything, then you will be forced to climb back down. That could lead to an accident that could have been prevented.
The fewer trips you make, the less chance that an accident may happen. Also, make sure you gather all the linemen wrenches, sockets, and other tools needed before heading up.
Learn your First Aid
Injuries are going to happen now and then, even if you prepared for them. You always have to be careful because anything can happen in a split second. Injuries are sometimes unavoidable, and it is vital to know how to respond when they occur.
You should learn the signs of fatigue, illnesses, or any other factors that could lead to an injury. Autumn is known to be peak flu season. Some common signs and symptoms are aching muscles, chills & sweats, headaches, persistent coughing, and a sore throat. If you or a co-worker display any of these symptoms, please seek treatment promptly.
There may be wind and debris falling during the season, so you want to make sure you have bandages, antiseptics, creams, and other first-aid basics. There is a chance a hazardous object could strike you while on the ground or working on a line. You need to know how to treat this immediately because these conditions can result in serious injury if you don’t react quickly. You should also learn how to perform CPR, and it may help save a life.
Keep your Work Vehicle Safe
Much time will be spent in your work vehicle when on the job. Road conditions can create a dangerous part of the job during the season. Since the weather is sometimes unpredictable, you have to prepare for significant storms that include either rain, icy conditions, or snow. At times there could be a frost overnight, which can lead to slippery roads. Typically, roads are not treated like they are during the winter. These storms may cause debris such as leaves and sticks, to cover the streets.
Always maintain your vehicles. Tires need to be in good condition, wiper blades need to work, and all lights need to be running well. You will be working with less daylight, so you need to keep that in mind too. It’s essential to drive slowly and carefully to ensure you avoid any serious incident. You don’t need to rush to your next destination, so take your time and focus on the road.
Lowell Corporation Makes Your Jobs Easier
Fall is officially here, and there is no better time to upgrade your lineman tools with us. Here at Lowell, we’ve been providing only the best linemen wrenches and sockets since 1869! We want to make your lives easier and more efficient because of all the dedicated hard work you do.
Check out our products today and always remember to be safe.