Ameren workers test skills in annual Lineman Rodeo competition

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - Ameren held its annual Lineman Rodeo this afternoon, pitting the company's linemen against one another in different job-related challenges.

The workers competed for a chance to go to the International Lineman's Rodeo, competing against workers and teams from several different countries.

There were three events, focusing on both speed and technique.

Jason Novak, an Ameren lineman who previously competed, explained, "One is a hurt man rescue where they go up and rescue a 185-pound mannequin. We practice that in case we have to do that in the field. And then there's a speed climb where they climb up with an egg in a bucket and they transfer that to their mouth, come down the pole, leave the other bucket at the top of the pole. The other one is a mystery event."

The mystery event, Ameren said, is to help workers be prepared for anything they might come across.

"Day-to-day, you don't know what you're going into, so this, building small skills here, helps us out in the field tremendously," Novak told WAND News.

Speed is not the main goal for Ameren workers daily; safety is, but the rodeo is a way to practice being faster while staying safe up on the poles.

"We're out there in all types of extreme weather, and people's power is out; they want it back on," Novak said. "Hospitals, nursing homes, I mean, you take those priorities. First of all, you're safe, but you're trying to do it as fast and efficiently as you can to move on to the next job."

Ameren stated the rodeos are also a great way for workers to learn how to use new equipment and technology more efficiently.