For the last 35 years, the International Lineman's Rodeo has focused on safe work practices. As part of this mission, the International Lineman's Rodeo Association (ILRA) created a safety and training conference to drive home the importance of safety at the event.
"It's very important for our ILRA board to offer this free conference to everyone," says Mike Hayward of Liberty Utilities, who serves as the chair of the event. "Many years ago, we started out as a half-day conference, and the next year, we expanded it to a day-and-a-half."
This year, about 200 attendees registered for the conference, which featured a variety of interactive presentations. For example, apprentices and linemen learned about everything from arc flash protection to proper stretching to how to avoid a dog bite. In addition, they were able to voice their field issues and concerns in an open forum, which was led by a panel of industry veterans. In addition, two speakers, who both had electrical burn accidents, talked about how the incidents forever changed their lives.
The following is a slideshow with highlights from the day-and-a-half safety and training conference, which was sponsored by Glenguard, PCA, and IBEW Local 47, 53, 66, 304, and 1464.