Recognize Utility Line Technicians as First Responders
Recognize Utility Line Technicians as First Responders
The Issue
.
Our brave utility line technicians, or linemen, face numerous challenges and risks every day. They navigate unsafe driving conditions including flooding or damaged roads. They risk serious injury from burns or electrocution due to the damaged infrastructure they work on. Their days often exceed 13 hours, leading to stress and fatigue under intense working conditions. These dedicated professionals make massive sacrifices, risking their lives and being away from their families for extended periods of time.
These linemen are not just workers; they are saviors who protect our homes, businesses and lives during storms and other emergencies. Despite this critical role they play in our society, they are not officially recognized as first responders by Homeland Security.
This lack of recognition is a disservice to these brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018), electrical power-line installers and repairers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.
Linemen made such an impact in Louisiana that Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) proposed the Lineman Legacy Act, which would make utility line workers listed among other emergency response providers according to the Homeland Security Act of 2002. However, this bill was looked over and not recognized!
Why sign?
RECOGNITION WOULD FACILITATE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The Lineman Legacy Act proposed in Congress aimed to legally designate lineworkers as "emergency response providers" under Homeland Security. This would give linemen better ability to access damaged areas quickly, coordinate with other first responders, and provide needed documentation.
It's time we acknowledge them for what they truly are - first responders - by legally adding utility line technicians to Homeland Security’s list of first-responder occupations. This recognition will ensure that these heroes receive the support, resources, training opportunities, benefits that other first responders receive.
Join us in this fight for justice for our linemen! Sign this petition today!
You can follow us here> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553778030125&mibextid=LQQJ4d
1,403
The Issue
.
Our brave utility line technicians, or linemen, face numerous challenges and risks every day. They navigate unsafe driving conditions including flooding or damaged roads. They risk serious injury from burns or electrocution due to the damaged infrastructure they work on. Their days often exceed 13 hours, leading to stress and fatigue under intense working conditions. These dedicated professionals make massive sacrifices, risking their lives and being away from their families for extended periods of time.
These linemen are not just workers; they are saviors who protect our homes, businesses and lives during storms and other emergencies. Despite this critical role they play in our society, they are not officially recognized as first responders by Homeland Security.
This lack of recognition is a disservice to these brave men and women who put their lives on the line for us every day. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2018), electrical power-line installers and repairers have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations.
Linemen made such an impact in Louisiana that Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) proposed the Lineman Legacy Act, which would make utility line workers listed among other emergency response providers according to the Homeland Security Act of 2002. However, this bill was looked over and not recognized!
Why sign?
RECOGNITION WOULD FACILITATE
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
The Lineman Legacy Act proposed in Congress aimed to legally designate lineworkers as "emergency response providers" under Homeland Security. This would give linemen better ability to access damaged areas quickly, coordinate with other first responders, and provide needed documentation.
It's time we acknowledge them for what they truly are - first responders - by legally adding utility line technicians to Homeland Security’s list of first-responder occupations. This recognition will ensure that these heroes receive the support, resources, training opportunities, benefits that other first responders receive.
Join us in this fight for justice for our linemen! Sign this petition today!
You can follow us here> https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553778030125&mibextid=LQQJ4d
1,403
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Petition created on November 19, 2023