Climbing utility poles, maneuvering around energized equipment and rescuing injured coworkers are all part of the demanding work electric utility lineworkers are trained to perform. On Sept. 24, lineworkers from across Illinois put those skills to the test during the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ (AIEC) annual Lineman’s Safety Rodeo.
Held at the Lincoln Land Community College line school yard in Springfield, the event brought together 22 teams representing 15 electric cooperatives and two municipal electric utilities, as well as a team of line school students. Five lineworkers also competed individually.
The friendly competition challenged participants to demonstrate the skills they use in their everyday work, with an emphasis on safety, accuracy and efficiency. Although speed played a role in determining the winners, completing each task safely and correctly was the top priority.
Competitors were evaluated on their completion times, proper execution of tasks and adherence to safe work practices. Mistakes such as dropping tools, slipping while climbing or using improper procedures resulted in point deductions.
The rodeo featured several events designed to challenge lineworkers’ climbing abilities, technical knowledge and emergency response skills.
In the egg climb, competitors climbed a utility pole while carrying an egg, testing their ability to move smoothly and maintain control. The challenge required a steady hand and careful technique, as a broken egg could mean lost points.
The cutout change tested participants’ ability to replace a protective device used on electric distribution lines. The event required competitors to demonstrate proper work procedures and equipment handling while completing the task efficiently.
During the H-structure crossover, lineworkers navigated a structure consisting of two utility poles connected by a horizontal crossarm. The event challenged their ability to maneuver safely at elevated heights while maintaining proper climbing and fall-protection techniques.
One of the rodeo’s most important challenges was the hurt man rescue, which simulated an emergency involving an incapacitated lineworker atop a utility pole. Competitors had to demonstrate their ability to safely reach and lower the injured worker to the ground.
The competition also included a 40-foot transition climbing challenge, testing a lineworker’s ability to climb and transition safely while working high above the ground.
Although the events were competitive, each reinforced the importance of proper training, teamwork and safe work habits — skills that help protect lineworkers and the communities they serve.
Coles-Moultrie Electric Cooperative earned Best Overall Team. The team of Gavin Bennett, Grant Cooper and Shane Ruppert also claimed first place in the H-structure crossover, cutout change and egg climb events.
Egyptian Electric Cooperative Association’s team of Andy Ahner, Tyler Atchison and Mike Smith earned first place in the hurt man rescue. Smith also took home first place in the individual hurt man rescue competition.
Drayton Davis of Rural Electric Convenience Cooperative earned best individual lineman overall. He also placed first in the individual H-structure crossover and egg climb events and won the 40-foot transition climbing challenge.
Beyond the awards, the rodeo provided an opportunity for lineworkers from different utilities to demonstrate their abilities, learn from one another and reinforce the safe work practices that are essential to their profession.
For more photos and to see full results, go to aiec.coop/2026-aiec-linemans-safety-rodeo.
