Ensure a Safe Climb for NLI Lineworkers

By Elissa Glassman

Here are a few steps NLI members can take to protect and help ensure the safety of our line crews on the job.

NLI line crews climb poles on a consistent basis, and whenever people hang signs on the poles with tacks or nails or use poles for other purposes, it can be dangerous for the line crews.

Even though a sign may have been torn down from a pole, the nails can remain and end up tearing or cracking a line worker’s glove, causing exposure to electric current. If the line worker should slip, serious lacerations and injury can occur.

According to Idaho statute 18-7029, placing posters or promotional material on public or private property without permission is unlawful. Any violation of this statute is considered a misdemeanor.

Please remember:

• Do not hang signs or nail objects to the pole. The nails or staples could also cause a lineman to slip when he climbs the pole.
• Do not hang birdhouses, basketball hoops or antenna on electrical poles. Line crews will have great difficulty climbing around them, creating a hazard for a line worker, who may slip or fall.
• Do not attach fences to the pole, or take dirt from around the pole.
• Please use common sense around utility poles. Show your appreciation for those who work so hard to make sure you have reliable electric service.