Safety and Risk Management Instructor Chuck Tiemann recently visited Western Cooperative Electric to discuss working safely with high voltage and what his personal experiences have cost him in his life.

In 1980, as a lineworker at Kay Electric Cooperative in Blackwell, Oklahoma, Chuck was repairing storm-damaged power lines. He was told the power had been disconnected and the grounds installed on the section of line he was working on. Sadly that was not the case.

Chuck decided to only wear his leather gloves instead of his rubber gloves, assuming his coworker cut the power. As he was climbing the pole, Chuck reached up and made contact with an energized 7,200-volt power line. As a result of the accident, he died, was brought back to life, and eventually underwent the amputation of his left arm and right leg.

Chuck credits his wife for pushing him to regain his independence following the accident. Terri, who was Chuck’s high school sweetheart and only 24 years old herself at the time of the accident, helped push him and turn the challenges they faced into opportunities.

For the past 40 years, Chuck has been committed to teaching others about electrical safety. “That’s why I’m doing what I’m doing,” Chuck said. “I’m trying to make people a little smarter about electricity. I’m trying to make a difference.” During his career, Chuck has spoken at 444 of the 812 electric distribution cooperatives in the United States, along with countless other organizations.

“Having Chuck recount his [electrical] contact incident and how it affected him and all of the people in his life was extremely powerful,” said Western Safety Manager Jay Scott. “It is incredible how quickly things can go wrong if we become complacent about safety and communication.”

During his presentation, Chuck emphasized that his missteps were easily preventable, and they should serve as a reminder for all lineworkers not to take shortcuts or make assumptions when working with high voltage. 

“I don’t know why my life was spared. But I’m thankful for it,” Chuck said. “I take not one day for granted. Not one breath of life do I take for granted because life is precious, and it could be gone that quick. And I understand that.”