Dragonwear Events

The Pole Top Rescue Competition became part of the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference in 1973 to teach people about proper rescue techniques. Teams of linemen from the electrical utility industry compete for honors in rescuing a victim from a utility pole in a mock industrial accident. Three judges are chosen by members of the conference’s electrical utility planning committee.

The preliminary competition will be held Tuesday before the main Conference with the top four teams competing at the finals during the Conference on Wednesday. Just before the final competition, teams are given a “problem” or situation that makes the rescue more difficult and requires the teams to think about the safest and most effective way to rescue the victim.

Booth #322

The Lineman’s Rodeo attracts the best linemen from around the world to compete in events based on traditional lineman tasks and skills. The first Lineman’s Rodeo was held in September 1984, with twelve participating teams from Kansas and Missouri. The Rodeo has grown to over 200 teams and 300 apprentices. Many of the skills required in the competition are less frequently used currently but still critical line skills like climbing, working off a pole, and work tasks using hot sticks rather than gloves. These opportunities for linemen to enhance their skills and keep them fresh make them more productive all while keeping safe during the competition at the forefront.