It’s a Way of Life
by Derek Elder, Chief Operating Officer
GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. - (April 15, 2025) "Show up, kick butt, go home!” These are the words Grand Valley Power Operations Supervisor Mark Shaffer uses to describe the daily work of lineworkers. While this statement oversimplifies a lineworker’s responsibilities, the final part is what truly matters: GO HOME!
The role of an electric lineworker is undeniably vital, as we all depend on electricity for nearly everything we do. Lineworkers work tirelessly to ensure that homes, businesses, and entire communities receive power. However, in an industry that demands precision and bravery, it is crucial to acknowledge that safety must come first. Behind every energized meter lies a lineworker’s unwavering commitment to safety. Working with high-voltage equipment and climbing poles involves inherent dangers.
Safety goes beyond training and having the right tools; it is a mindset that must permeate every decision and action. Every lineworker is responsible for working safely and ensuring that their colleagues do the same because, in this profession, a single safety lapse could lead to catastrophic consequences.
WHERE IT BEGINS
As a former lineworker who transitioned to an o ce position nearly 16 years ago, I was eager to visit a jobsite recently on 19 Road. Our crew was working to cut over a new section of overhead line that had been relocated due to a road widening project. This particular job involved a scheduled outage and coordination with the railroad and Xcel Energy, necessitating additional attention and collaboration. All jobs require focus and effective communication. Lineworkers must be able to quickly and clearly convey information about hazards, changes in the plan, and the job’s status. Radios, hand signals, and other communication tools ensure the crew works in sync. From the moment I arrived, I observed GVP’s crews conducting job briefings and collaborating with other entities to ensure that communication was effective and understood by all.
THE MUST HAVES
Every lineworker understands that the key to staying safe on the job is personal protective equipment. From hard hats to flame-resistant clothing, each piece of gear serves a specific purpose in shielding the body from potential dangers. PPE is only as effective as its proper use and care. All lineworkers must inspect their gear before each job and replace items that show wear or damage. A pinhole in a glove or a cracked hard hat may seem like a minor issue, but it poses a risk that could be life-threatening.
THE BUILDING BLOCKS
Lineworker training is more than a one-time requirement; it’s a continuous process of learning and adapting. The electrical distribution system is ever-evolving, as is the knowledge and skillset required to be a lineworker. Proper training ensures that lineworkers are equipped to handle high-voltage power lines safely, use equipment correctly, and, perhaps most importantly, understand how to respond during outages and emergencies.
EVERY DETAIL COUNTS
In an environment with high-voltage power lines, using the right tools is just as important as wearing the right PPE. Just as training is a continuous process for improving, so is the process for improving the tools that lineworkers use. The climbing gear that I used in the mid 1990s does not meet today’s safety standards. Lineworkers today use gear that is designed to limit the distance that they would fall if their gaffs — hooks — dislodge from the pole. The vehicles that lineworkers drive and the equipment they operate play just as critical a role in keeping them safe and allowing them to return home at the end of the day.
MOTHER NATURE’S ROLE
Lineworkers are frequently called out in challenging weather conditions that pose unique risks. Wet surfaces make climbing or handling tools dangerous, and high winds can render working on poles hazardous. In these situations, it’s often necessary for lineworkers to continue making repairs to restore power.
While safety must never be compromised, there is also a broader responsibility to the community.
Lineworkers must balance the need for swift repairs with the critical necessity of ensuring their own safety. One of the most challenging moments in my career as a lineworker was returning home to rest after working for 38 consecutive hours through storms to restore power, all while some community members remained without it. Lineworkers take pride in restoring power and completing the job, regardless of what Mother Nature brings.
“GO HOME”
Electric lineworkers work in a dangerous field, but the dangers can be minimized with the right attitude and strict safety practices. Committing to wearing PPE, maintaining up-to-date training, using appropriate tools, and following weather protocols is essential to staying safe on the job.
However, the most crucial element is the mindset. Safety isn’t just about following the rules — it’s about integrating safety into every decision. No job is so urgent that it should compromise the well-being of the workers who brighten and connect our lives. Let’s support the lineworkers who power our communities on April 18 — National Lineworker Appreciation Day — by thanking the lineworkers who keep the lights on and answer the call: “Show up, kick butt, go home!"