Editor’s note: This letter arrived April 29 in the form of an e-mail to Business Manager Tom Dalzell concerning the April 30 gathering of linemen in Vacaville to discuss safety. The letter is published with the writer’s permission.
Tom,
I applaud the linemen for taking responsibility for their own safety. I believe this is going to become even more critical for them as the company continues towards the consolidation of the Transmission Centers.
I work in Hydro operations at Rock Creek Power House, and we already have 4 former TO’s in our work group. Table Mountain has already lost 3 TO’s and a fourth will retire before going to Vacaville. The loss of knowledge is staggering. Safety of the crews in the field is our #1 job in Operations, and it is disheartening to see how the Transmission group has been disassembled.
So, to my brothers, all the line crews, double check everything, take nothing for granted, hang your grounds, and go home safely every night.
Sincerely,
Jim Burke
Rock Creek Power House