ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Duke Energy is celebrating Linemen Appreciation Day after workers spent much of this particularly hot summer in the direct heat of the sun.
“We call them industrial athletes,” said Phil McGee, a lead health and safety consultant with Duke Energy. “A lot of times you’re carrying 70lbs of equipment when you’re trying to climb a pole or moving from one area to the other, and it’s very strenuous on the body.”
If you combine that with a uniform that must be fully insulated or non-breathable, McGee says it’s a recipe for heat-related illness that they actively have to prevent.
“This is probably the most brutal summer I’ve had out here,” said lineman Alejandro Guillen. “I’m taking a lot more breaks than usual, drinking a lot more water than usual.”
Linemen have fans and cooling inserts for their hard hats along with frequent pre-determined breaks that are based on the heat index.
“Linemen are pretty prideful so we don’t like to admit when something’s wrong but… It sneaks up on you pretty quick,” said Guillen.
Workers are trained on heat safety and told to keep an eye on their fellow lineman for any changes to their behavior.
“Everyone knows each other here so the second someone seems off it’s, ‘Hey, come down, get some AC, get some water,” said Guillen.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.