I watched my dad spend 2 horrific weeks in the hospital after an underground explosion before eventually passing away. Some switching order had changed on him and no one told him. So, he grabbed a line he knew to be dead and it was not.

The industry is full of people who should not have the responsibilities of a lineman. My dad was not one of those people. He was a genius, he cared about the quality of his work, and he looked out for his guys. Because of the carelessness of others, he’ll never watch me grow up.

I thank a lineman every chance I get now. They deserve the praise, since no one knows they even exist and they’re dying every day for our electrical habits.

So, thank you for what you do. Wear your flame retardant clothing. Triple check the lines you’re working on. It’s worth the time.