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Lineworker Appreciation
By: Claudia Raffay, Director of Marketing and Member Services
Email: craffay@sussexrec.com
Monday, April 10th is Lineworker Appreciation Day. Each year on the second Monday of April, rural electric cooperatives across the country celebrate the contributions, hard work, and sacrifices of the lineworkers who perform the difficult task of keeping power flowing for millions of people.
Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative is extremely proud of our fantastic team of linemen. What does it take to be a lineworker? A sense of duty. Grit. Perseverance. Strength, both mental and physical. Comradery. The ability to jump out of bed and get to work, no matter the time or weather. And also coffee. Lots and lots of coffee…
In honor of the linemen who work day or night, be it sunny or snowy or storming, whether it’s a weekday or a weekend or a holiday, to keep the people of our community powered on: we say thank you. Thank you for the time and effort you’ve given to help others. Thank you for lending your talents to repair, upgrade, and expand Sussex Rural Electric Cooperative’s system. And most importantly, thank you for being you.
To each and every one of our linemen, Kevin B., Chantz, Kyle, Jeff E., Brian, John, Jake, Fred, Scott, Travis M., Tom, Travis P., Jeff R., Pete, Tony, Mike, and Kevin T., THANK YOU!
![ELECTRICAL LINEWORKERS. Lineworkers install and maintain overhead and underground electrical systems. We rely on their expertise to power our world. They must commit to safety above all else for the benefit of those they serve (you!), fellow crew members, and themselves. WHAT THEY WEAR: Protective clothing is required to shield lineworkers since they work around high voltages. Gear can vary depending on pole structure (wood or steel) and weighs up to 45 pounds. Gear includes: Hot Stick (Insulated and made of electrical-grade fiberglass, used in energized or "hot" lines"), Flame-Resistant Clothing (Helps protect the skin in case of flames or elecric arc flash), Rubber Gloves (Specialized, insulated gloves that protect against electric shock and burns), Tool Pouch (Allows essential items [connectors, wires, etc.] to be close by), Climbers of Leg Shanks (These hold the gaffs securely in place), Work Boots (Aid in climbing and protect the leg and foot), Gaffs (Steel points used for climbing wood utility poles), Hand Line (Rope strong enough to hoist equipment; it has steel clips and a pulley lock), Safety Strap (Once safely attached to the pole, the strap allows the use of both hands), Safety Glasses (Protect eyes and block sun glare - especially important when working on energized lines), Insulated Hard Hat (Provides protection from electrical hazards and blows to the head). - SafeElectricity.com](http://sussexrec.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Linworkers%20What%20They%20Wear.png)
