DECEMBER 2025 Sparks & Flashes PUBLISHED FOR MEMBERS OF NORTHFORK ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE Life-savings skills in practice Northfork Electric Cooperative linemen refreshed their skills last month as they were tested on their ability to perform a pole top rescue in accordance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards. One of the emergency situations unique to the electric utility industry is injury or other medical emergency while working high off the ground. Our linemen are trained to act quickly, calmly and, most importantly, not become a second victim. The exercise simulates a lineman who has made contact with electricity or has had a medical issue and has been rendered unconscious. The lineman must climb the pole, secure a rope around a 180-lb. dummy, and return safely to the ground for appropriate medical attention. All of this must be done as quickly as possible, as an in-jured lineman’s life may hang in the balance. Our linemen take pride in their profession and the essen-tial work they do to keep the power fl owing to our mem-bers. Their dedication also requires extreme diligence to perform the work safely. NFEC is proud of our linemen and the important work they do each day to keep our members supplied with safe, reliable and affordable electricity. Continued on page 3
OKL December 2025: Page 87-1
