Tacky Power Poles Can Be Dangerous

August Message from Randall Pugh
President/CEO

Yard sale signs, bird feeders and basketball goals tacked or nailed to our utility poles can put our line crews at the risk of injury. We want them to do their jobs and return home safely to their families, and poles covered in old nails and tacks puts our line crews at risk.

Loose staples and old nails threaten line crews' protective gear such as gloves and can prevent safe climbing. When a line worker's cleats can't get into the pole to secure a climb, they slide down the wooden pole firefighter-style. Splinters to the chest and face are common injuries when this happens.

Nails and staples are especially hazardous in dark or inclement weather conditions. You're accustomed to seeing our line crews in bucket trucks, and it's true that we don't climb poles as much as we used to. However, if necessary, our line crews are trained to climb the poles to repair damaged lines to get your electricity restored as quickly and safely as possible.

Not only are tacky poles a threat to our line crews' safety, but members also run the risk of injury. People have placed ladders against poles to attach bird feeders, basketball goals and decorations to utility poles – a dangerous practice when energized power lines are just a few feet away.

We want to prevent any injury to members or cooperative personnel. We inspect our poles and power lines, and when we find hazards, we remove the equipment and notify the property owner.

We ask members to play it safe, and keep our poles free and clear. Not only does it protect our line crews, but it also helps us ensure power reliability.

Randall Pugh
President/CEO.