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From Telegraph to Electricity: How did the lineworker's occupational history influence modern technology?
As our modern society becomes increasingly reliant on electricity, the importance of the lineworker profession cannot be ignored. Line workers, also known as electrical workers, are responsible for building and maintaining power transmission and distribution facilities to deliver electrical energy to every corner of industry, commerce, and residential life. The work of line workers and their career history have not only impacted the power industry, but also had a profound impact on the development of modern technology.
The origin of history
The lineman's profession dates back to 1844, when the first telegraph line was laid between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, carrying Morse's famous message: "What God has made!" As technology advanced, telephones in the 1870s With the birth of the industry and the onset of electrification in the 1890s, the profession gradually evolved into an indispensable field.
"This new electrical work was more dangerous than telegraph or telephone work because it involved the risk of electric shock."
Between the 1890s and the 1930s, the job was considered one of the most dangerous professions. With the rise of labor organizing, workers began to fight for safety rights, a movement that eventually led to the establishment of stricter safety standards.
American Line Workers 1
In the United States, with the push for rural electrification under the New Deal, the number of jobs in the electric power industry expanded rapidly. Many line workers traveled during this period, moving as their jobs required, often living in makeshift worker camps or boarding houses, a work model that, while appealing, was fraught with challenges.
The evolution of careers
With the expansion of residential electrification in the 1940s and 1950s, the profession further evolved as the need for maintenance and emergency repairs of electrical distribution networks increased significantly. According to reports, some power lines from the 1950s were also installed in the tunnel, expanding the scope of the work.
"Working on high-voltage transmission lines is highly specialized and requires special training and equipment."
Job responsibilities and challenges
Lineworkers' tasks include installing or replacing equipment such as capacitors, transformers, insulators, and more. Working with or without electricity is extremely challenging. They often use a variety of tools to overcome terrain and environmental constraints, and sometimes need to work on high-voltage lines, which makes their work more complex and dangerous.
Training and Safety
Becoming a qualified line worker typically involves a four-year training program, starting as an apprentice and learning things like operating equipment, climbing techniques and safety standards. Safety is a top priority in this profession, and line workers must wear a variety of personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent accidental electric shocks.
"Safety requirements at work include the use of rubber gloves, rubber sleeves, insulating equipment, etc. to reduce risks."
For handling high-voltage power lines, linemen use special tools called "hot-wire tools" to safely handle power lines. All hotline work PPE must be kept clean and tested regularly to ensure its insulating properties.
The influence of modern technology
The history of line workers and the challenges they face provide valuable lessons for the safe operation of modern power systems. As technology advances, the level of specialization in this field continues to increase, further ensuring the stable operation of the global power grid. However, there are still many challenges waiting for technological breakthroughs and personnel adaptation.
So, with today’s rapidly changing technology, how will the role of line workers evolve with future changes in the power industry?
