INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

A lineman works with electricity in all its phases, such as,

troubleshooting, maintenance and repair of overhead distribution, and

transmission lines. Being a lineman is a very demanding job, and it is among

the most dangerous jobs out there with their work demands and long hours

under stressful conditions. (Burton, 2010).

According to National Lineman Surveys and Utility Company data in

2023, around 2,400 for every 100,000 linemen suffer serious non-fatal injuries

and 42 for every 100,000 linemen are killed on the job each year. This makes

lineman jobs one of the most dangerous in the world. What makes the line

trade so dangerous is the combination of high voltage power and heights. In

addition to these constant threats, mother nature is constantly changing the

environment. The last five years has seen huge strides in power and utility

safety. Each year two inventions and solutions are presented to increase line

worker safety and improve education.

The risk for electrical accidents is an everyday reality for professional

electricians is very high. Mechanisms of injury include the direct contact with

the current or an electric arc resulting in thermal burn injuries, internal

neuromuscular injuries, and secondary falls and hits from objects. The

physical consequences of electrical accidents can be instantly evident, but

may also appear insidiously after an initially uncomplicated event, and can

have long term effects on health and work ability. Reduced mental well-being
and psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety, phobias and post-

traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been reported, as well as memory and

concentration difficulties (Singerman J, Gomez M, Fish JS. Long, 2008).

A lineman not only requires physical strength and technical skills but

also mental resilience. Linemen often work under high-pressure situations and

must make quick decisions while ensuring their own safety and the reliability

of the electrical system. They may face challenging deadlines, emergency

situations, and the weight of being responsible for providing electricity to

communities. The ability to stay calm under pressure, think critically, and

adapt to changing circumstances is crucial for linemen in overcoming the

mental challenges that come with the job (LinemanBootsandTools, 2018).

In this study, the researchers aim to explore the challenges faced by

linemen in their daily work. The study will examine the various physical

stressors inherent in their line of work, such as working at heights, exposure to

extreme weather conditions, and managing heavy equipment. It will also

investigate the challenges encountered by linemen in maintaining power

supply and responding to emergencies. The study seeks to understand the

strains faced by linemen in their day-to-day tasks, explore the strategies they

employ to mitigate these physical challenges, and evaluate the effectiveness

of existing safety measures.

Statement of The Problem

Generally, this study aims to determine the struggles and challenges

encountered by Linemen in their Job.

Specifically, this research will answer the following research questions:

1. What are the physical challenges Linemen encountered in terms of;

1.c. Safety

1.b. Regular hours and

1.c. Pressure

2. What are the people’s expectations of the linemen in terms of?

2.a. Workability

2.b. Emergency response

2.c. Weather Conditions

Theoretical Framework

The profession of lineman is challenging and demanding. These requires

physical strength, technical skills, mentally resilient, and a commitment to

safety. Linemen encountered myriad challenges including physical demands,

dangerous working conditions, unpredictable schedules, extreme weather,

and the need for mental resilience. Every year, the lineman profession

consistently ranks among the most dangerous jobs. The Bureau of Labor

Statistics reports that electrical power-line installers and repairers have a

fatality rate of 20.3 per 100,000 full-time workers, nearly five times the national
average for all occupations. These workers put themselves at risk of electric

shock and electrocution daily. The dangers these workers face can lead to

serious injuries including burns, brain injuries, paralysis, or death.

The Republic Act 11058 or Strengthening Compliance with

Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for

Violations Thereof. The Act provides for the State policy to ensure a safe and

healthful workplace for all working people by affording them full protection

against all hazards in the work environment. This Act aims to ensure the rights

of workers against occupational hazards resulting to injury, sickness, or death.

Covered workplaces shall establish an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

Program. The objectives of this Act are to improve the working environment or

working conditions in order to ensure and maintain the working capacities of

employees as well as to avoid occupational accidents and diseases and

eliminate other hazards from work and the working environment to the

physical and mental health.

In this study, the researchers aim to provide data and information on

what physical challenges encountered by linemen in their everyday risky job

and lives. To investigate and thoroughly examine and explore the physical

experiences in their profession, and also aiming to provide insights for

enhancing their safety, and job satisfaction. And to identify what role social

support plays in helping them cope with the challenges of their profession and

how they deal with physical effect of potential danger and risk in their work

environment.
Significance of the Study

The study is significantly beneficial to the following individuals below:

To the community. This study will help them understand the situation of a

linemen that their work is dangerous, and the patience required in their job can

foster greater appreciation and support from the community.

To the Linemen. This study can highlight the crucial nature of their work,

emphasizing the risks they face daily and the importance of their contributions

to society’s infrastructure.

Researchers. This study will allow them to expand their knowledge about the

job as well as to better understand the struggles and challenges faced by the

linemen.

To Future Researchers. This research will be a beneficial reference for

researchers who would like to make any relevant investigation.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The research study will only focus on determining the multiple

challenges that linemen experienced in their daily lives when doing their

duties.

Operational Definition of Terms

List of Terms

Mental Resilience - describes the capacity to adjust and recover from

adversity, failure, and stressful circumstances.

Health - a state of total well-being that includes social, mental, and physical

components is referred to as health.

Safety - being safe is the state of not being harmed, endangered, or exposed

to risk.

Occupational hazard - a risk or danger that exists in the workplace and has

the potential to hurt employees or workers is referred to as an occupational

hazard.

Unpredictable Schedule- is any work schedule that changes every day or

week.

Physical Well-being - is having the physical capacity to engage in everyday

activities.

RA 11058 - an act to ensure a safe and helpful workplace for all workers by

giving full protection against all hazards in the work environment.

Electrical Industry - encompasses the production, distribution, and use of

electricity for various applications, including powering homes, businesses,

industries, and infrastructure.

Fatality- refers to a situation where someone has died because of an

accident, incident, or other unfortunate event.

Injury - Damage to a person's feelings.

 CHAPTER ll

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Allison H., et al. (2016) The nature of electricity being both ubiquitous

in everyday life and potentially fatal upon contact. It emphasizes the tendency

for complacency and underestimation of electrical hazards due to familiarity.

The evolution of safety practices in the electrical industry is acknowledged,

with experienced workers having firsthand knowledge of past incidents.

However, the challenge lies in transferring this knowledge to newer workers

who may lack exposure to serious incidents. The paper explores how workers’

risk perception influences decision-making, using case studies to illustrate

flaws that contribute to incidents. It underscores the importance of recognizing

less obvious hazards in electrical work and concludes by discussing methods

to facilitate knowledge transfer and enhance training for the next generation in

electrical safety.

Tammy G., et al. (2019) The electrical safety community has made great

strides in reducing electrical injuries to electrical workers through elimination,

mitigation, administrative controls, worker training, and personal protective

equipment. Utilizing Bureau of Labor Statistics data and Occupational Safety

and Health Administration records, the study identifies at-risk workers and

types of work vulnerable to electrical injury. The abstract underscores the

need for effective electrical safety programs that specifically target and reach
at-risk workers. It also discusses appropriate training methods and strategies

to reach non-electrical workers who are vulnerable to electrical injuries.

Tammy G., et al. (2019) He also stated that the focus of the National Fire

Protection Association (NFPA) 70E on electrical safety practices for electrical

workers. It notes that the term “electrical safety in the workplace” can

encompass safety for all workers and general safety for electrical workers.

Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2011-2015 indicates that

while electrical work is not exceptionally dangerous, contact with electricity is

a higher percentage of fatal occupational injuries compared to nonfatal

injuries. The data emphasizes the need for prioritizing electrical hazard

awareness in worker safety programs. Specific data for electricians shows a

rising trend in fatalities but a reduction in nonfatal injuries. The abstract

underscores that electrical workers face various types of injuries, including

those from violence, transportation accidents, falling, and overexertion,

highlighting the importance of comprehensive safety training for this group.

Vinithini P., et al. (2016) Address the prevalence of work-related

musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) among linemen, exploring occupational

tasks and causative factors. The study, conducted through a literature search

from 1996 to 2013, reveals a moderate to high prevalence of WRMDs in the

back and shoulder regions among linemen. High-risk tasks, including bar

installation, insulator fixation, and manual handling of tools, contribute

significantly to WRMD development. Ergonomic hazards are associated with

occupational tools such as ladders, manual cutters, and manual presses. The

review concludes by emphasizing the need for future research on prevention

and intervention strategies to enhance job practices among linemen and

mitigate the impact of WRMDs.

(David S., et al., 2023) Similarly, the association between estimated

exposure to extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and

suicide mortality in 138,905 male electric utility workers. The analysis reveals

increased odds ratios (ORs) for suicide among those in jobs with higher

magnetic field exposure, particularly electricians and linemen. A dose-

response relationship is observed for magnetic field exposure in the previous

year, with a mortality OR of 1.70 in the highest exposure category. Stronger

associations are found in men under 50 years of age. The study suggests a

potential link between occupational EMFs and suicide, highlighting the need

for further investigation, including exploration of a plausible mechanism

involving melatonin and depression through laboratory and epidemiological

research. (David S., et al., 2023)

Ernesto A. A., et al. (2018) conducted a study that focuses on monitoring

cardiac pulse using a heart rate sensor among a group of healthy individuals,

consisting of five juniors and one expert electric lineman. The study explores

the relationship between physical effort, stress (arising from the fear of

falling), and the variability of cardiac pulse, presented in three stages. The first

stage demonstrates the cardiac pulse increase in response to physical effort,

while the second stage highlights the pulse rise under stress or fear

conditions. The third stage illustrates a proportional increase in cardiac pulse.

Additionally, the study monitors cardiac pulse during the descent from a

concrete post, revealing variability among participants. Overall, the research

underscores the unpredictability of heart rate post-exertion or stress and

emphasizes individual differences in cardiac rhythm response.

(Darrin M. A., et al., 2014) The study aims to examine 20 individuals who

experienced electrical injuries, assessing them through neuropsychological

evaluations twice post-injury. The analysis considered time since injury,

intervals between assessments, and longitudinal mood changes in relation to

simple and complex attention outcomes. While the overall group showed little

change in baseline attention/concentration performance over time, an

association was observed between longitudinal increases in depressive

symptoms and poorer performance in simple and complex attention

measures. Factors such as loss of consciousness, litigation status, baseline

injury status, and time between evaluations did not significantly predict

changes in cognitive performance. The study suggests implications for

treating comorbid psychiatric issues in individuals with electrical injuries and

provides insights for future research in this field.

Lisa R., et al. (2015) The study aims to describe symptoms of 523

Swedish electricians at various time points after electrical injuries, considering

factors such as the "no-let-go” phenomenon and different electrical potentials

(high voltage vs. low voltage). The study found that almost all participants

reported immediate symptoms, primarily paresthesia and pain, with pain and

muscle weakness prevalent in the first week’s post-injury. Persistent

symptoms at follow-up included pain, muscle weakness, and loss of

sensation. High voltage injuries and the “no-let-go” phenomenon were

associated with more enduring symptoms. The study also highlighted

deficiencies in reporting routines and a shortage of preventive measures,

emphasizing the need for improved workplace routines to reduce work-related

electrical injuries among Swedish.

Additionally, the experiences and perceptions of work-related electrical

accidents among 23 Swedish male electricians, aged 25–68. The focus is on

both immediate and long-term psychological consequences, examining

contacts with health care services and the workplace. Immediate emotional

reactions include surprise, confusion, fear, anxiety, and anger, with long-term

consequences observed, particularly in cases involving a no-let-go situation.

The aftermath involves considerations of guilt and blame. The study reveals a

lack of knowledge and routine among health care professionals regarding

electrical injuries and a need for medical and psychological follow-up. For

some, the accidents were life-changing events, emphasizing the importance

of adequate workplace handling and supportive health care services for

rehabilitation and return to work. Sara T., et al. (2018)

However, Ernesto A. A., et al. (2018) examined an expert and five

inexperienced individuals ascending 12-meter-high electric power distribution

network posts. Data on heart rates during the physical effort of raising and

lowering poles were collected, revealing an unpredictable and fluctuating

heart rate, particularly post-exertion. The study emphasized the impact of fear

and stress related to working at heights on increased heart rates. Factors

such as effort exerted by workers and heart rates during descent were

analyzed. Overall, the findings highlight the variability in heart rates among

individuals in response to physical exertion and stress, especially in the

context of working at elevated heights.

 In his article, Bodil R. H., addresses the increased pressure on

utility providers to maintain uninterrupted electrical service, leading electric

linemen to work extended hours. The study aims to analyze published

research on overtime accidents and injuries, electrical safety hazards, and

safety issues during extended work hours. A survey will be distributed to

gather feedback and opinions from past and current linemen about their

experiences working consecutive overtime hours. The collected information

will be analyzed to identify additional hazards associated with overtime work,

and recommendations will be proposed to reduce the occurrence of accidents

and close calls during extended work periods.

Sellami I., et al. (2023) investigated the impact of job satisfaction on the

mental health of 74 male electricians through face-to-face interviews. Data

collection included socio-professional characteristics, a 10-point job

satisfaction scale, and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6). The

average age of participants was 39.3 ± 10.5 years, with an average job tenure

of 15.5 ± 11.2 years. The mean K6 score was 5.4±4.8, and 9.5% exhibited

high psychological distress (K6 score of 13 or greater). The study found a

correlation between low job satisfaction and high psychological distress (p =

0.012; r = -0.29). Conversely, high job satisfaction was associated with lower

levels of psychological distress. These results underscore the influence of

workplace satisfaction on the mental health of electricians. The study

suggests that policies and practices should prioritize improvements in working

conditions to promote better mental health outcomes for employees.

Laurel A., et al. (2020). The reasons behind electricians engaging in

unsafe work practices, particularly working with electrical energy when safety
standards advise otherwise. Using a grounded theory approach and mental

models’ methodology, the researchers developed an ‘expert model’ based on

literature and expert input, and an integrated theory from 60 in-depth

electrician interviews. The findings reveal that working energized is a complex

decision influenced by various factors, including task, worksite, individual,

organizational, and external elements. The study suggests that working

energized is not a simple yes/no choice, but an outcome shaped by different

pathways, each requiring specific interventions to reduce risk. Key insights

include the cognitive demands of electricians’ work, the influence of past

practices on perceived risk, and the need for negotiations to prioritize safety

over time or production pressures.

Jeremy P., et al. (2019) Additionally a three-year initiative in order to

establish an effective electrical safety program (ESP) at a large petrochemical

company, recognizing the complexity of electrical work and the potential risks

faced by non-electrical workers. The process involved third-party auditing to

identify problems, leading to a task list addressing qualified electrical workers

(QEWs), operations employees, and contractors. A cross-disciplined task

force developed programs tailored to each department, involving operations,

health and safety, engineering, maintenance electricians, and power

distribution. Training, conducted by a third-party vendor, focused on

implementing NFPA 70E standards. Full implementation of the 2018 version

of NFPA 70E occurred in December 2017, with ongoing efforts for program

sustainability. The authors anticipate a reduction in electrical incidents and

note increased cross-discipline knowledge of electrical safe work practices.

Jeremy P., et al. (2019)

 Therefore, the Linemen risk falls, electric shocks, burns, and other injuries

during the daily job and these incidents can often be fatal. It also presents a

novel vision-based real-time system for detection and tracking of various non-

rigid safety wearables worn by linemen, in a highly cluttered environment. A

number of challenging sequences demonstrate the effectiveness of the

proposed scheme, under complex background, prolonged occlusions, and

varying color, shape, and lighting. (Zahid Ali et. al. 2021) .
 Chapter III
METHODOLOGY

This chapter introduces the Research Design, Research Settings,

Research Participants, Research Instruments, Data Collection & Analysis

Procedures, and Ethical Considerations of the study.

Research Design
The study entitled " Lifeline Heroes: Embracing Adversity, Conquering

the Heights, and Weathering the Storms - A Comprehensive Study of the Daily

Battles Faced by Linemen in the Field" is qualitative research that will utilize

case studies to better understand the dangerous work situations and daily

risks faced by linemen, as well as the importance of their contributions to

society.

Research Settings

This study will be undertaken at the Sultan Kudarat Electric

Cooperative (SUKELCO).

Research Participants

The participants of this study will be the electric workers of Sultan Kudarat

Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO). We will only pick those employees whose

operating on the front lines, installing, repairing, and maintaining power lines

and distribution systems.

Research Instruments

The instruments that will be used in the study will include the Interview

Guide Questions (IGQ), which contain necessary inquiries related to the study,

and electronic devices such as a voice recorder for documenting information

or data.

Data Collection Technique

To verify data collection, participants' permission will be sought once

they select a comfortable interview location. Researchers will schedule the

interview to commence upon finding a suitable time to visit the Sultan Kudarat

Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO). In order to collect the necessary data, the

researcher will request from the School Principal and the City Mayor for a

letter and for the participants of the study if an audio and video recorder can

be utilized.

Data Analysis Procedure

Thematic content analysis, as described by Ezzy (2000), involves

analyzing data by categorizing it into themes, concepts, or similar features.

This technique aims to simplify and organize large amounts of data into more

manageable units for interpretation, following the methods outlined by

Singleton (1997). The approach to developing themes, as detailed by Marshall

& Rossman (1989) in De Vos (1998), encompasses various techniques within

the methodology.

Ethical Considerations

Participants will have the choice to familiarize themselves with the

ethical interview methodology before conducting interviews. Their

confidentiality will be protected regardless of whether they opt to answer

questions or not. It is the responsibility of the researchers to effectively

communicate any concerns or inquiries raised by the participants. The

collected information will be kept confidential and solely used for the study's

purposes.