lineman

Lineman is a worker who installs, maintains, and repairs electrical power lines and telecommunications cables. In North America the term most often refers to electricity lineworkers who operate on transmission and distribution networks; elsewhere they may be called lineworkers, line technicians, or telecom technicians. The term also denotes a position in gridiron football on the offensive or defensive line.

Utility linemen perform tasks such as stringing conductors, installing insulators, repairing damage, and maintaining transformers, switching gear, and feeders. They climb utility poles or towers, or work from bucket trucks, and may lay underground cables. They diagnose faults, restore service after outages, and coordinate with crews and dispatchers during emergency repairs.

Training and safety: Most utility linemen enter through multi-year apprenticeships that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Certification or licensing requirements vary by region. Safety is central, given risks of falls, electrical shock, and arc flash. Workers wear personal protective equipment such as helmets, flame-resistant clothing, insulated gloves, and fall-protection gear and follow strict procedures.

Tools and conditions: Common equipment includes climbing gear, hot sticks, insulated tools, voltage testers, and bucket trucks. Work is outdoors and can involve long hours, night shifts, and responding to storms or other outages.

Football use: In American football, a lineman lines up at the line of scrimmage on both offense and defense. Offensive linemen (center, guards, tackles) block to protect the quarterback and open running lanes, while defensive linemen rush the passer and stop running plays. The role emphasizes size, strength, and technique.