ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) \u2014 Duke Energy is celebrating Linemen Appreciation Day after workers spent much of this particularly hot summer in the direct heat of the sun.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
Linemen have fans and cooling inserts for their hard hats along with frequent pre-determined breaks that are based on the heat index.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Workers are trained on heat safety and told to keep an eye on their fellow lineman for any changes to their behavior.<\/p>\n
“Everyone knows each other here so the second someone seems off it’s, ‘Hey, come down, get some AC, get some water,” said Guillen.<\/p>\n