Every year, Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative Inc. (CHELCO) linemen refresh their skills and are tested on their ability to perform a pole top rescue in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.

One of the emergency situations unique to the electric utility industry is injury or other medical emergency while working high off the ground. Our linemen are trained to act quickly, calmly and, most importantly, not become a second victim.

The exercise simulates a lineman who has made contact with electricity or has had a medical issue and has been rendered unconscious. The lineman must climb the pole, secure a rope around a 180-lb. dummy, and return safely to the ground for appropriate medical attention.

All of this must be done as quickly as possible, as an injured lineman’s life may hang in the balance.

Our linemen take pride in their profession and the essential work they do to keep the power flowing to our members. Their dedication also requires extreme diligence to perform the work safely.

CHELCO is proud of our linemen and the important work they do each day to keep our members supplied with safe, reliable and affordable electricity.