While falls are a constant danger for those who work on electrical power lines, electrocution and burns are also a common threat.
Often, the distribution lines are worked "hot," so service is uninterrupted. Sometimes,a worker's insulated gloves or other equipment has flaws and they make contact with live wires.
Another major hazard occurs from power lines downed in storms, especially at night. Linesmen can walk right into hot wires.
Improved safety equipment has cut down on injuries and fatalities. One innovation has been fire retardant clothing.
Yet, even with all of those precautions, 27 power linesmen died last year.
