IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Study of the "climbability" of wood poles by linemen

Abstract

In Québec, approximately 5 000 telephone, electrical utility and construction linemen are required to climb wood poles. Products used to prolong the life of poles used in telephone and electrical distribution networks harden the wood, which may render them difficult to climb. This study demonstrated that workers do not expend additional muscular effort, suffer increased fatigue, or modify their climbing technique when climbing hardened poles. Furthermore, individual weight and organisational culture only weakly modify the perceived difficulty of the task. A four-stage classification of pole hardness was established.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 0095-2090
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 1997
Team:
  • Jean Arteau (IRSST)
  • Yves Beauchamp (École de technologie supérieure)
  • Marc Thomas (École de technologie supérieure)
  • Denis Marchand (Université du Québec à Montréal )