CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Linework is ranked among the most dangerous jobs in the country, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

Workers are exposed to high-voltage power lines, harsh weather conditions and heights in the field. 

What You Need To Know

  • Linework is ranked among the most dangerous jobs in the country

  • The linemen rodeo is a competition where workers compete in events based on task and skill 

  •  Tony Hurlocker is the first lineworker in Concord Electric Systems' history to qualify and compete in the national competition 

As lineworkers navigate the risks, Concord Electric Systems says one unique competition prepares its crew for more than just a trophy.

Tony Hurlocker is the first lineworker in Concord Electric Systems' history to qualify and compete at the National Linemen's Rodeo, a competition where the best linemen around the world go head-to-head in events based on task and skill.

Hurlocker has been handling power lines since he was 18, and now he and his teammates are training for one of the biggest events in their field.

“The main thing is, you know, make sure you do everything right. Don't drop anything and do it safely,” Hurlocker said.

At the rodeo, lineworkers are tested on how efficiently and safely they can complete real-life scenarios. One event that Hurlocker believes is important is the hurt-man rescue.

“That simulates if you've got a fellow co-worker that's on a pole and has an accident and gets injured, and it's all about time," he said. "How fast can I get him to the ground? Not only get him to the ground, but get him to the ground safely so we can start CPR. That's really the most important event, I think, and I take pride in that one.”

Hurlocker said his best time is just over a minute, but for him, the competition is not about speed, it’s about preparing for the worst at any job site.

“I can just naturally know and feel confident that I can get somebody down quickly and safely, and not only that, it gives the guys I work with confidence. If we're out on the job, they feel comfortable. If, you know, I'm on the ground and they're up there working, knowing, ‘Hey, if something happens, I’ve seen him put in the work and the effort and I know he'll get me down safely and maybe save my life.' So, that's really important,” Hurlocker said.

Hurlocker says the training that goes into competitions can make all the difference.

“There's so many people across this country that do linework, and we call it a brotherhood. We're all like family, and we try to be each other's brother's keeper,” Hurlocker said. “You never know what could happen, so you always try to be prepared. At the end of the day, you just want to go home safely to your family."

Hurlocker competed as a part of a North Carolina team that included linemen from Wake Forest. The next rodeo is on May 15 in Rocky Mount.

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