OPALCO’s line crew is well trained. In addition to the statewide three-year apprentice program requirements, OPALCO apprentices are required to spend their first year as a groundman, before beginning formal training, and all OPALCO operations staff attends monthly safety meetings and training sessions.

Last month, the OPALCO line crew trained in pole-top rescue, practicing a hurt man lower.

“We run through this training every year,” General Foreman Steve Eyler said, “so they’re prepared – just in case someone has a medical emergency while working on the poles.”

OPALCO contracts with Electrical Safety Consultants International (ESCI) to administer its safety program, which also includes topics such as First Aid/CPR, Personal Protection Equipment, Fall Protection, Stress Management, Confined Space/Vault Rescue and Winter Driving.