America's Favorite Lineman (Allegedly) | Austin on Training and Safety in Linework

What does it take to be America's Favorite Lineman?We delve into the importance of training, critical thinking, safety awareness, near misses, JSA, safety procedures, teaching, communication, and the significance of bringing back the trades. Austin discusses the role of building up apprentices and the challenges faced in preparing them for the industry. The conversation covers various aspects of line work, including the use of manual tools, the importance of dexterity, challenging line work jobs, family life, encouraging interest in line work, overcoming fear, respecting the job, hobbies and lifestyle, the pay and lifestyle of trades, and an invitation to visit and experience line work. The takeaways emphasize the significance of dexterity and finesse in line work, as well as the importance of critical thinking and respect in the field.TakeawaysImportance of TrainingCritical Thinking Dexterity and finesse in line workImportance of critical thinking and respect in line workChapters00:00 Introduction and Background05:08 Safety Awareness and Near Misses11:04 Teaching and Communication16:14 Bringing Back the Trades22:06 Manual Tools and Dexterity in Line Work27:20 Raising Children and Family Life32:25 The Pay and Lifestyle of Trades