Cooperative Living March/April 2015 - 15

COMPETITION SHARPENS
LINEWORKERS' SAFETY, SKILLS
F
or some, the most hazardous part of the
workday is the commute to the office.
Not so with electric-line technicians, or
linemen, as they are popularly known.
A lineman's typical workday might involve
climbing narrow wooden utility poles, repairing
broken cross-arms or conductors (wires),
replacing transformers and other sophisticated
(and heavy) equipment, and doing it all in
close proximity to electric energy powerful
enough to instantly end a life. It's a dangerous
job. And it's a job without which the lifestyle we enjoy today would rapidly deteriorate.
So how do electric linemen reinforce their safety culture and hone their work skills
and efficiency? Training. And for electric linemen, the premier showcase for safety and
work-skill training in Virginia is the annual Gaff-n-Go Lineman's Rodeo.
The Gaff-n-Go Lineman's Rodeo is the only event of its type held in Virginia. Its name
refers to the " gaff " (metal spike) that linemen attach to their boots to assist in climbing
wooden utility poles. The rodeo is conducted by the Virginia, Maryland & Delaware
Association of Electric Cooperatives (VMDAEC), publisher of this magazine and provider
of government relations and training services to cooperatives in the mid-Atlantic region.
The rodeo, in its 13th year, is planned for Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, at
the Caroline County Agricultural Fairgrounds along U.S. Route 1 in Ruther Glen, Va. It is
free and open to the public. Sponsored by Terex in partnership with Scott Powerline and
Utility Equipment, the rodeo will feature electric linemen from utilities throughout the
Eastern U.S. performing a variety of tasks in judged and timed competition events. Many
of the events involve climbing utility poles and working 30 feet or more off the ground.
The action starts Friday at 11:15 a.m. with opening ceremonies. A representative of
the Virginia Governor's Office will deliver a certificate of recognition for Linemen's
Appreciation Day. Competition begins at 11:30.
Friday's events test linemen's equipment-operating skills, and will feature judged and
timed exercises and tests using a variety of bucket trucks, digger derricks and other heavy
equipment used in the electric utility industry.
Rodeo activities continue Saturday morning, with second-day opening ceremonies
starting at 7:45 a.m. and the climbing events beginning at 8.
Food and beverages will be available both days, and a petting zoo and other activities
for children will be available Saturday. A vendor expo will also be held both days during
rodeo activities.
" The primary purpose of the Gaff-n-Go Lineman's Rodeo is to promote safe work
skills and practices, " notes John C. Lee, Jr., CEO of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative
and chairman of VMDAEC's Lineman's Rodeo Committee. " A lineman works in and
around high-voltage power lines every day and often in the toughest of weather conditions.
This competition showcases the special qualities a professional lineman must
possess - discipline, training, teamwork and confidence. Additionally, it promotes camaraderie
and boosts the morale of the participating organizations. "
" We are very pleased to again have the opportunity to host this great event and give
these linemen the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of their peers and the rest
of us who depend on them to keep the lights on, " adds Richard Johnstone, VMDAEC
executive vice president. For more information, go to www.gaff-n-go.com. 
March-April 2015/www.co-opliving.com
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http://www.gaff-n-go.com

Cooperative Living March/April 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living March/April 2015