A line clearance crew working in Tennessee and Virginia passed 2,000 days without an OSHA recordable incident while working on rough terrain.
The Challenge
Clearing utility lines of tree branches and other potential hazards is a treacherous task. From tree climbing to handling dangerous equipment to working around energized utility lines, the need for safety during a line clearance project is of the utmost importance.
The Davey team working with a utility headquartered in the Southeastern U.S. performs line clearance work manually with little to no equipment assistance because of the remote locations of the rights-of-way (ROWs) in Tennessee and Virginia. This type of line clearance work requires careful precision day in and day out.
The Solution
Eight crew members celebrated 2,000 days without an OSHA recordable incident in July 2020. The crews have been working together for 20-plus years, creating a special bond and safety-focused mentality. The crew’s general foreman is vocal about safety protocols and encourages the entire crew to blow the safety whistle when necessary.
The Results
Rough terrain can create a set of obstacles that most line clearance crews may never encounter. The crew’s mindset is that when they adhere to the proper safety protocols, they will produce better work for the client. Through this attitude, the team has surpassed its 2,000-day streak since hitting the milestone on a different utility contract.
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