2024 AIEC Lineworker’s Safety Rodeo

The annual Lineworker's Safety Rodeo coordinated by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives (AIEC) was held Thursday, Sept. 19. Fifteen teams from 12 electric co-ops and one municipal electric utility participated in the friendly competition, along with seven others competing individually. The rodeo highlights the skills lineworkers use to work safely and efficiently.

Teams from across Illinois participated in events using skills that focus on agility, speed and accuracy. While these skills are part of the judging criteria, above all, participants are judged on safe work practices.

Line personnel competed in a series of team and individual events including the 40-foot climb, hurt man rescue and crossarm change. The cutout change was a team event, and the day concluded with a head-to-head climbing challenge.

Scores for each event are based on completion time, proper execution of the task and safety. Deductions were made to a team or individual's overall performance score due to mistakes such as slipping when climbing poles, dropping tools or executing inappropriate procedures or methods.

Congratulations to our Illinois lineworkers on their team and individual efforts.