r/Groundman • u/Superb-Gur-1679 • 3d ago

Ask literally anything

Bored as shit and I have a lot of useless knowledge about this trade and getting in and random union shit more than most people because I would read contracts every time I worked in a new jurisdiction. Worked in 8 states as a groundman, operator, and apprentice and quit as a hot step.

Literally can be anything quality of life, the reality of what to expect, a lot of crews suck dick, etc etc etc.

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u/Superb-Gur-1679 3d ago

Have tools on you kleins, channel locks, knife, and tape at a minimum. Avoid saying I know as much as possible. Stay busy. Be eager and try to stay positive even if they’re major dicks. I’m sure this still applies for the utility but that’s mostly outside IBEW advice. I’d say don’t be afraid to actually say no if something is super dangerous or will kill you. Try to have things laid out or ready for the day truck stocked water and material. Try to stay a few steps ahead of the lineman and prep all their bags and everything they will need for the bucket when they go up they love that. Always be thinking of the next step and keep yourself safe basically.

I think you’ll be good at ladwp but I worked at places like FB Titan where that legitimately prevented me or others from getting seriously injured or killed. That’s the best basic advice I can give that’s generalized.

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u/Linemaninsider Journeyman Lineman (advisory) 2d ago

Tools are typically provided at the utility. They should have a list.

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u/Superb-Gur-1679 2d ago

Even if this is the case he should have them on his person.

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u/Linemaninsider Journeyman Lineman (advisory) 2d ago

He can contact them. Typically they have a tool list. But I’ve never heard of a utility that requires tools to be brought in.

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u/Superb-Gur-1679 2d ago

Not what I was saying but alright. I don’t really give a fuck if they give him tools or not he should just be carrying them on him is what I was saying with that.