CPOPE
12-25-2011, 08:28 AM
Utility workers Posted December 9, 2011 at 1:46 p.m
Recent Santa Ana winds caused major damage to many communities throughout southern California; power outages persisted for days in many communities. Patience for electrical service became strained, tempers rose and, in a few cases, residents acted out their frustration toward the utility companies and utility line workers. I am sure we all can understand the frustration of all those without electrical service.
Quality service and maintenance is mandated in California, while the public may not be aware we have a highly strained national electrical infrastructure and failure of service in severe weather is inevitable.
The recent media coverage of outraged citizens missed a few crucial points. First, attention to the fact that linemen were working around the clock, and second, in some situations linemen were working in less than desirable conditions and on antiquated electrical systems.
Lineman, like fireman and police work in a highly dangerous profession and, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety Health, an average of 243 workers are electrocuted annually -30 percent of those are public utility workers.
While a few outspoken people complained their creature comfort had been disrupted due to the windstorm. Please consider how one simple miscalculation after working long hours in unforgiving conditions, in an effort to restore power can cost a lineman his or her life or limb.
Utility workers have a dangerous job, there is no fanfare or fanciful prestige title attached to their job description. A little less complaining, a little more consideration or a simple thank you for serving our community seems appropriate.
- Gene Hansmeier,
Newbury Park
The writer is retired training director of the Ventura County Electrical Apprenticeship program. - Editor
Recent Santa Ana winds caused major damage to many communities throughout southern California; power outages persisted for days in many communities. Patience for electrical service became strained, tempers rose and, in a few cases, residents acted out their frustration toward the utility companies and utility line workers. I am sure we all can understand the frustration of all those without electrical service.
Quality service and maintenance is mandated in California, while the public may not be aware we have a highly strained national electrical infrastructure and failure of service in severe weather is inevitable.
The recent media coverage of outraged citizens missed a few crucial points. First, attention to the fact that linemen were working around the clock, and second, in some situations linemen were working in less than desirable conditions and on antiquated electrical systems.
Lineman, like fireman and police work in a highly dangerous profession and, according to the National Institute of Occupational Safety Health, an average of 243 workers are electrocuted annually -30 percent of those are public utility workers.
While a few outspoken people complained their creature comfort had been disrupted due to the windstorm. Please consider how one simple miscalculation after working long hours in unforgiving conditions, in an effort to restore power can cost a lineman his or her life or limb.
Utility workers have a dangerous job, there is no fanfare or fanciful prestige title attached to their job description. A little less complaining, a little more consideration or a simple thank you for serving our community seems appropriate.
- Gene Hansmeier,
Newbury Park
The writer is retired training director of the Ventura County Electrical Apprenticeship program. - Editor