The job of a lineman involves working with high voltage electrical power lines, often at great heights and in challenging weather conditions. Due to the nature of the job, linemen are at risk of suffering serious injuries or even death while on the job. However, the death rate for linemen varies depending on various factors such as location, type of employer, and safety protocols in place.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the fatality rate for electrical power-line installers and repairers, which includes linemen, was 19.7 per 100,000 workers in 2020. This is significantly higher than the average fatality rate for all occupations, which was 3.5 per 100,000 workers in 2020. The BLS reports that there were 25 fatalities among electrical power-line installers and repairers in 2020, with 18 of those fatalities occurring in the utility industry.
The fatality rate for linemen can vary depending on the type of employer. For example, linemen who work for electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution companies have a higher fatality rate than those who work for construction companies. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), linemen who work for electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution companies have a fatality rate that is three times higher than the national average for all occupations.
Another factor that can impact the death rate for linemen is the location where they work. The BLS reports that the states with the highest number of fatalities for electrical power-line installers and repairers in 2020 were Texas, California, and Florida. However, the fatality rate for linemen can also vary within a state depending on the type of work they are performing and the safety protocols in place.
Safety protocols and training can also impact the death rate for linemen. Employers are required to provide proper training and safety equipment to their linemen to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities. OSHA has specific regulations in place to protect linemen, including requirements for proper grounding of equipment, protective equipment such as gloves and helmets, and fall protection equipment when working at heights.
In recent years, there has been an increased focus on improving safety protocols and training for linemen. The Electrical Transmission and Distribution Strategic Partnership, which is a collaboration between OSHA and various industry organizations, has developed training programs and resources to improve safety in the industry.
In conclusion, the death rate for linemen varies depending on various factors such as location, type of employer, and safety protocols in place. According to the BLS, the fatality rate for electrical power-line installers and repairers, which includes linemen, was 19.7 per 100,000 workers in 2020. Linemen who work for electrical power generation, transmission, and distribution companies have a higher fatality rate than those who work for construction companies. The fatality rate for linemen can also vary within a state depending on the type of work they are performing and the safety protocols in place. Safety protocols and training can impact the death rate for linemen, and there has been an increased focus on improving safety in the industry in recent years.