Working with electricity can be a hazardous job, especially for linemen. In fact, USA Today lists power line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why, for Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, safety is the No. 1 priority.
This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else. Our mission is to provide safe, reliable and affordable energy to you, our members, but it’s equally important that our employees return home safely to their loved ones each night. This requires continuous focus, dedication and vigilance—and your help!
Distractions Can Be Deadly
While we appreciate your kindness and interest in the work of our crews, we ask that you stay back and let them focus on the task at hand when they’re out in the community. Even routine work has the potential to be dangerous, and it takes crew members’ full attention to ensure their safety and that of their colleagues. Distractions can have deadly consequences for them.
If a lineman is on or near your property during a power outage, for vegetation management or for routine maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews—and you.
If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while linemen are working near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their territory and can’t distinguish between a burglar and a utility worker. Our crews work best without a pet’s “supervision.”
We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You’ll recognize MVEC employees by their uniform and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our linemen because they live right here in our local community.
Move Over or Slow Down
In addition to giving linemen space, we also ask that you move over or slow down when approaching any utility vehicle on the side of the road. That extra buffer of safety helps those who help all of us.
