Electric Utility Lineworker Onboarding Process
Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Electric Utility Lineworker starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Trades onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Electric Utility Lineworker, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Electric Utility Lineworker onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.
Electric Utility Lineworker Onboarding Checklist
1. Safety Training: This task involves providing comprehensive safety training to the new lineworker, including instruction on the proper use of personal protective equipment, safe work practices, and emergency procedures. This training is typically conducted by the company’s safety department or a designated safety officer.
2. Equipment Familiarization: The lineworker needs to become familiar with the various tools, equipment, and vehicles used in their role. This task involves providing hands-on training on the operation, maintenance, and safety features of equipment such as bucket trucks, diggers, and power tools. This training is usually conducted by experienced lineworkers or equipment specialists.
3. Understanding Company Policies and Procedures: It is crucial for the lineworker to understand the company’s policies and procedures to ensure compliance and efficient workflow. This task involves providing an overview of policies related to work hours, reporting procedures, timekeeping, and other relevant guidelines. Typically, the lineworker’s supervisor or a human resources representative performs this task.
4. Job Shadowing: To gain practical experience and learn from experienced lineworkers, the new lineworker should participate in job shadowing. This task involves pairing the new lineworker with a seasoned lineworker to observe and assist in various tasks, such as pole climbing, line installation, and maintenance. The experienced lineworker or a designated mentor performs this task.
5. Understanding Electrical Systems: Since lineworkers deal with electrical systems, it is essential for them to have a solid understanding of electrical principles and systems. This task involves providing training on electrical theory, distribution systems, transformers, and other related topics. This training is typically conducted by experienced lineworkers or trainers with electrical expertise.
6. Climbing and Fall Protection Training: As lineworkers often work at heights, it is crucial to provide training on proper climbing techniques and fall protection measures. This task involves teaching the lineworker how to safely climb poles, use fall protection equipment, and perform rescue procedures if necessary. This training is usually conducted by experienced lineworkers or safety specialists.
7. First Aid and CPR Certification: Lineworkers may encounter emergency situations, so it is important for them to be trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This task involves providing certification courses in first aid and CPR, which are typically conducted by certified trainers or external organizations.
8. Understanding Electrical Safety Codes and Regulations: Lineworkers must adhere to electrical safety codes and regulations to ensure the safety of themselves and others. This task involves providing training on relevant codes, such as the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC), and regulations set by regulatory bodies. This training is typically conducted by experienced lineworkers, trainers, or compliance officers.
9. Communication and Radio Usage: Effective communication is crucial for lineworkers, especially when working in teams or during emergencies. This task involves training the lineworker on proper radio usage, communication protocols, and the use of hand signals. This training is usually conducted by experienced lineworkers or communication specialists.
10. Customer Service Training: Lineworkers often interact with customers, so it is important to provide training on customer service skills. This task involves teaching the lineworker how to handle customer inquiries, complaints, and provide excellent service while maintaining professionalism. This training is typically conducted by customer service representatives or trainers with expertise in customer relations.
11. Ongoing Professional Development: To stay updated with industry advancements and enhance skills, lineworkers should engage in ongoing professional development. This task involves encouraging lineworkers to attend workshops, conferences, and training sessions to expand their knowledge and expertise. The lineworker’s supervisor or a designated training coordinator may assist in identifying relevant opportunities and facilitating participation.
12. Performance Evaluation and Feedback: Regular performance evaluations and feedback sessions are essential to help lineworkers understand their strengths, areas for improvement, and career progression opportunities. This task involves conducting performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and setting goals for professional growth. Typically, the lineworker’s supervisor or a designated performance management team performs this task
Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process
From reading through the items in the example Electric Utility Lineworker checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Electric Utility Lineworker up to speed and working well in your Trades team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.