Safety Starts Before the Climb
Keeping power flowing starts with keeping people safe — and that goes for both members and lineworkers. Every piece of gear a lineworker wears and uses isn’t just about fashion or comfort, it’s about preventing injuries, reducing outages, and making sure everyone stays safe. Here are a few items lineworkers always wear to prioritize safety.
Hard hat
What it is: A hard hat is a protective helmet worn whenever lineworkers are on the job, especially near poles, equipment or overhead lines.
What risk it reduces: A hard hat protects against head injuries from falling tools, branches, equipment or unexpected contact with energized lines.
How it helps members: A hard hat helps lineworkers work safely and efficiently, keeping restoration efforts moving and protecting everyone on the jobsite.
Safety glasses
What it is: Safety glasses are impact-resistant eyewear designed for outdoor and electrical work.
What risk it reduces: Safety glasses protect eyes from flying debris, dust, ice, wind, sparks and other hazards common during line work.
How it helps members: Safety glasses allow lineworkers to have clear vision to work precisely and safely, reducing the chance of mistakes that could delay repairs.
High-visibility vest
What it is: A high-visibility vest is a bright, reflective vest worn over regular work clothing, especially near roadways or in dark conditions.
What risk it reduces: A high-visibility vest makes lineworkers easier to see for drivers, equipment operators and fellow crew members, reducing the risk or vehicle or equipment accidents.
How it helps members: A high-visibility vest improves visibility to keep work zones safer and to help crews stay focused on restoring power without unnecessary interruptions.
Safety gloves
What it is: Safety gloves are specialized, insulated gloves designed specifically for electrical work.
What risk it reduces: Safety gloves protect hands from electrical contact, cuts, burns and extreme temperatures.
How it helps members: Safety gloves provide proper hand protection that allows lineworkers to handle equipment safely and confidently, helping ensure reliable repairs.
Tool belt
What it is: A tool belt is a sturdy belt that holds essential tools and safety equipment within easy reach.
What risk it reduces: A tool belt keeps tools secured, reducing the chance of dropped objects and minimizes unnecessary movement while working at heights.
How it helps members: A tool belt allows efficient access to tools that allows lineworkers to complete tasks safely and quickly, which can shorten outage times while maintaining safety standards.
Work boots
What it is: Work boots are protective, heavy-duty boots designed for safety, climbing and electrical hazard protection.
What risk it reduces: Work boots protect against slips, falls, sharp objects, heavy equipment and rough ground.
How it helps members: Work boots secure lineworkers’ footing so that they can move safely and confidently around jobsites, preventing injuries that could slow restoration efforts.
Lineworkers have their gear inspected regularly. They also train extensively to make sure the items listed above and beyond are used correctly and safely. Those safety rules are followed even when restoration efforts take longer. Cumberland Electric would like to say thank you to all lineworkers for their commitment to safety, head to toe.