Working with electricity can be a dangerous job, especially for lineworkers out in the field.

In fact, USA Today lists line repairers and installers among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. That’s why for Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative safety is the number one priority. This is not empty talk. Over time, we have created a culture of putting our crews’ safety and that of the community above all else.

Our mission is to provide safe and reliable energy to you, our members. Yes, we strive to deliver electricity to you 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, but equally important, we want our employees to return home safely to their loved ones. This requires ongoing focus, dedication, vigilance, and your assistance to make that happen!

Distractions can be deadly.
While we appreciate your kindness and interest in the work of our crews, we ask that you stay back and let them focus on their task at hand. Even routine work has the potential to be dangerous, and it takes their full attention and that of their colleagues, who are also responsible for the team’s safety. Distractions can have deadly consequences. If a lineworker is on or near your property during a power outage, for vegetation management or for routine maintenance, please allow them ample room to work. These small accommodations help protect our crews–– and you.

If you have a dog, try to keep it indoors while lineworkers are on or near your property. While most dogs are friendly, some are defensive of their home territory and can’t distinguish between an intruder and a utility worker.

We recognize that for your family’s safety, you want to make sure only authorized workers are on or near your property. You will recognize Eastern Illini employees by their clothing, hard hats, and the service trucks with our name and logo on them. You may also recognize our lineworkers because they live right here in our local community.

Slow down and move over.
In addition to giving lineworkers some space while they are near your property, we also ask that you move over or slow down when approaching a utility vehicle on the side of the road. This is an extra barrier of safety to help those who help all of us.

While cooperative crews and linemen work outside all year long, in the summer more projects are set in full motion: right-of-way tree trimming, pole inspection and pole replacement, power line placement, line laying and more. One of our top priorities at Eastern Illini is to bring you, our members, reliable power. These projects help ensure we can reliably deliver power to your home or business. Just as important to us is safety of both you and our employees.

When signs that indicate any type of construction ahead are placed on the side of the road, please pay attention. These are typically bright orange diamonds that say, “Utility Construction Ahead.” These signs are there not only for the workers protection, but for yours as well. If you see any of those signs, please slow down and, when possible, move over. We ask that you vacate the lane closest to the EIEC vehicle that is working near or on the side of the road.

For more than two decades, speeding has been involved in one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities. As you come up on a utility construction zone or approach EIEC employees who are trimming trees, replacing poles, or repairing damaged lines, slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit.

We understand you have places to be and are sometimes are in a hurry to get there, but simply taking the time to slow down and move over in a construction zone will ensure both you and our crews stay safe.

Our lineworkers perform an invaluable service and we care about them deeply. With your help, we can make sure they go home to their families each and every day.