The Fatal Risks of Inadequate Lineman PPE Compliance

The critical and dangerous work that linemen do makes it clear that no shortcuts should ever be taken with lineman safety equipment. Small mistakes and inferior products from your electrical equipment supplier could lead to fatalities for the field workers who have no time to spare.

Our team is here to help when you are looking for superior Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or other resources to keep your team safe. 

Significant Daily Risks 

We all know by now that a lineman encounters more risks throughout their day than a lot of other people. The most common risk is electrocution, which occurs frequently due to inadequate PPE.

Without necessary high-voltage safety gear, the risk of severe injuries and fatalities is very high. That makes the use of properly selected, highly reliable PPE critical. These details are not new for all industry professionals. However, organizations that want to minimize risk must understand the causes of accident risks related to poor PPE and how to invest in effective safety measures to mitigate those risks over time.

Common Causes of Lineman Electrical Risks Due to Inadequate PPE

Electrical hazard protection is never an area where you should cut corners. Many dangers are preventable by arming yourself with a little knowledge and working with a reliable supplier.

#1: Substandard PPE Materials

PPE quality differs from manufacturer to manufacturer, and in many situations, there is no prominent warning of that ineffectiveness or poor quality design. Instead, companies must know who they are buying from to ensure the product is designed to last.

Substandard PPE includes improperly rated boots or gloves or poorly designed other equipment. Although these products may seem equal, they cannot provide the same level of protection from high-voltage electrical currents that higher-quality products ensure.

To overcome this risk within your organization, choose high-voltage safety gear explicitly designed for this environment. Verify the manufacturing process and the worksite compliance standards the product meets or does not meet. Simply avoid purchasing inferior products for a lower price.

#2: Improper Usage and Fit of PPE

The second most common factor contributing to lineman safety risks is improper fitting or wrong usage of PPE. If the product does not fit properly, two key concerns occur. The first is that the lineman is less likely to be able to use it properly, meaning they may make mistakes if they wear improperly fitting materials. The second risk is that some become frustrated with too big or too small PPE and simply don’t use it, creating an incredible compliance risk.

Usage can also be a concern. If a lineman uses improperly rated gloves or boots, especially if they need high-voltage safety gear, they face a significant risk of electrocution. PPE must be appropriately fitted for the job at hand.

#3: Poorly Maintained and Inspected PPE

Lineman safety equipment requires proper inspection and maintenance to ensure it is consistently in good condition. If any of the insulative properties degrade even slightly, this creates a risk of electrocution. Over time, all of these materials wear down and will need replacement. However, maintaining them as the manufacturer directs can minimize the need to replace these components too soon.

Note that teams must also be educated and trained to inspect all PPE before they wear it. This means conducting a thorough visual inspection of the item. If there are any signs of wear and tear, the lineman must know not to take the risk and instead use PPE that is in good working condition.

How to Prevent Lineman Safety Equipment and PPE Failures

Knowing the risks is the first objective. The next is knowing how to prevent them. The following strategies provide the best possible opportunity to do that.

Purchase Reliable Products from a Trusted Supplier

Your company’s most important strategy is purchasing from a reliable supplier. This means seeking a trusted and specifically selected provider specializing in lineman safety equipment. No other product is acceptable.

For example, companies that select to buy from Divergent Alliance benefit from working with a material distributor in the U.S. that offers highly tailored solutions created and sold explicitly based on our understanding of the unique needs of utility and construction professionals. We bring military precision, discipline, and reliability to every project.

Ensure Proper Fit and Training for Teams

Select gear for the person who will wear it. Customized solutions are essential for protection against electrical hazards. Consider:

• Routine fit checks to ensure the product works properly with the user. 
• Teach employees how to use the PPE and get a new product if it no longer fits properly.
• Train in proper usage, including adequate donning and doffing procedures.
• Educate on inspections before use, including how to conduct them, when, and what specific signs to look for that indicate a concern.
• Implement maintenance tasks for all PPE that follow manufacturer recommendations. Any signs of damage should warrant immediate replacement.

Divergent Alliance – Your Trusted Partner for Reliable Utility Solutions

There is simply no way to overprotect lineman safety equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE). The electric hazard protection your team needs is critical to preserving life and protecting the employees’ health and well-being.

We are here to help you. We offer electrical and construction industry-specific solutions to keep your team safe. Contact us now to schedule a quote for the specific products and services you need. Maintain workplace safety compliance and ensure your employees are secure with Divergent Alliance.