What looks like a static inconvenience to a morning commuter is a highly kinetic, volatile environment for a utility worker. In this breakdown of Michelle Marsh’s Incident Prevention article, “Plan It, Brief It, Build It,” we explore the hidden anatomy of a safe utility work zone. Discover how the literal laws of physics, driver psychology, […]

The MADI SS-5 Concentric Neutral Wire Twister with Penta Socket combines two essential underground functions in one durable tool. Designed for single- and three-phase conductors, the twister accommodates up to a single alt 1/0 copper concentric, while the 13/16-inch penta socket is ideal for opening transformers. A half-inch drive shank with flats allows use with […]

The Estex bucket lantern delivers 360-degree work area illumination for aerial buckets, enhancing lineworker vision and safety during nighttime bucket operations. The system uses an 18-volt battery (Milwaukee or Makita) with a runtime of up to eight hours on a fully charged 5-Ah battery. Featuring high-output LEDs that produce 12,000 lumens, the lantern securely mounts […]

The Hard Hat Caddy is an innovative, versatile PPE storage solution designed to keep essential safety gear organized, protected and easily accessible. Its unique, multifunctional design allows the caddy to be hung from a vehicle headrest, worn on the hip or magnetically attached to metal surfaces, giving workers convenient access to their gear wherever the […]

The Longhorn Folding Guard Arm from LineWise is a versatile attachment for boom trucks, digger derricks and various cranes, designed to protect highways, railroads and other crossings during conductor installation, repair and maintenance. When a conductor or pulling rope droops too low, the guard arm helps to keep the travel route below the work clear, […]

The Slice Folding Utility Knife offers a safer alternative to traditional utility knives, combining durable metal handle construction, controlled cutting and Slice’s proprietary finger-friendly ceramic blade technology. Designed to reduce the risk of accidental cuts and lacerations, the blade effectively cuts common everyday materials, including cardboard, tape, shrink wrap and bags. It can also be used to strip wire, making it […]

In this episode of Tailgate Topics, Rod Courtney and Nick discuss Daniel Cooper’s impactful article, “Coaching Courage on the Front Line”. They dive deep into the psychological and emotional needs of utility workers, exploring why human nature’s biological craving for comfort often prevents employees from speaking up about safety hazards. The hosts unpack the critical […]

This episode examines the growing trend of high-risk line worker behavior posted on social media and its impact on the utility industry. Hosted alongside industry veteran Danny Raines, CUSP, the discussion addresses “cowboy behavior,” improper use of protective equipment, and shortcuts taken for online attention. The hosts emphasize how these dangerous viral trends compromise job […]

Across the country, electric utilities and contractors are experiencing one of the most significant periods of growth and transformation in the industry’s history. Aging infrastructure, grid modernization initiatives, renewable energy integration, storm-hardening projects and increasing customer demand have created an unprecedented amount of work. Trade professionals are being asked to build, maintain and restore more […]

The energy out here at the International Lineman’s Rodeo is unmatched! ⚡ The #iP crew is on the ground this week, surrounded by some of the most dedicated, skilled professionals in the world. It’s impossible not to be inspired by the pride these men and women bring to their craft every single day. They love […]