Posted: October 22, 2012

IBEW founders were concerned about safety

Rob Watters, an IBEW 1245 journeyman lineman living in Nevada, submitted this letter for publication.

Our IBEW will be 121 years old on Nov. 28. I personally believe that it should be recognized, and that the founders of our great union should be remembered. If it was not for those men, we would not be where we are at today.

With all of the accidents and fatalities that have occurred as of late, we should remind our brothers (and sisters) to take a moment to reflect upon those who have given their lives. And that the reason why we're IBEW is because Henry Miller and J. T. Kelley wanted all of us to be properly trained, work safe, and encourage others to do the right thing. They wanted to ensure that all of us would have the best working conditions possible for today, and for the future. They wanted us to come home in one piece.

Our industry has suffered a great deal here in 2012 in regards to accidents. And not just here in the Western region, but all across the country. Contractors and the utilities alike.

Let's remember why we're IBEW, and remind ourselves that we're all ambassadors for the IBEW and Henry Miller. And when we're at work, safety is of the utmost importance and our number one priority. It should be first and foremost, and we should never separate ourselves from our training, and safety.

And we should also remind ourselves, whether we're a contractor or a utility lineman, we're all brothers in arms, and that we all stand together for a greater cause.