April 17, 2020

I hope that all of you are healthy and holding up well as we go through the COVID-19 pandemic and deal with all the disruptions it has caused. As most of you know, Governor Lee has extended his “Stay-at-Home” order. In compliance with this order, and in the best interests of those we serve, all non-essential travel by JT&S instructors and staff will continue to be suspended through Friday, May 1, 2020. As before, this means that regardless of previous scheduling or requests by utilities, there will be no travel for training, crew visits, or consultation during that time. In the event of an injury or accident needing our assistance, the decision as to how best we can offer that assistance will be made on a case by case basis. Should anyone need our assistance, you can contact me or your instructor any time, 24/7.

We will also be making some adjustments to the training schedule with regard to annual topics. In anticipation of some form of continuing restrictions during the month of May, we will be offering an alternate programming schedule for May and June. We will be offering Poletop/Bucket Rescue and Confined Space Rescue training as an option for either May or June. We can forego the classroom portion of this training and conduct the full class in the field where it will be easier to maintain social distancing and follow personal hygiene protocols. For those who wish to continue to remain cautious during the month of May, the topic of Accident Causes & Controls that was scheduled for June will be available for delivery in May. Accident Causes & Controls will be available either for in-person delivery by your JT&S instructor or as a video presentation that can be accessed through a link on the Tennessee Job Training & Safety web site. We will offer the planned programming for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 as published, with the understanding that under the current conditions all plans are subject to change.

The most important thing in this pandemic continues to remain the safety and health of those who must be close to us, and to the rest of our communities. Please continue to remain vigilant and compliant and continue to lead by example. Also, please continue to require and enforce all appropriate safe work practices and let your JT&S instructor and me know if we can be of any assistance. We are available by phone, text, and/or email until we can get back to a more normal schedule. Thank you all again for your patience and professionalism. I am more proud than ever to serve such a great group of people and in such a great industry that serves the public so well.

Mike Simmons
TN JT&S Coordinator, CSP

July 8, 2019

Electric lineworker is the 11th most dangerous job in America. Despite extensive safety precautions and ongoing training, sometimes the worst can happen.

Funds raised through the purchase of the new lineworker plates go to the Tennessee Lineworker Lifeline Fund. This non-profit foundation serves lineworkers and their families when one of our own is killed or injured on the job. The state of Tennessee has approved the license plate, but they require 1,000 paid preorders before the plates are put into production. If we do not reach 1,000 commitments, you can request a full refund or donate your money to the foundation.

It is hard to predict exactly when the plates will be available. Once we receive 1,000 preorders, the state will put the plates into production. You will receive a letter when they are available for pickup at your local county clerk’s office. The timeframe depends on how quickly we reach 1,000 preorders and how much time it takes for the state to produce the plates.

Your $35 preorder will be applied to your first lineworker plate.

The Foundation is funded through sales of the Powering Tennessee lineworker license plates. Support the foundation by preordering your specialty plate today.