008: From Tragedy to Teaching Safety: Chuck Tiemann's Inspiring Story

Co-Op Heroes: Stories from Electric Utility Operators

In this powerful episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, host Pablo Fuentes sits down with Chuck Tiemann, the legendary safety instructor known throughout the electric cooperative world for his uncompromising dedication to lineman safety. Speaking from the Indiana Lineman Rodeo, Chuck shares his remarkable journey from a life-changing accident to becoming one of the industry's most impactful safety advocates.

On May 1, 1980, Chuck was severely burned in an electrical accident that cost him his left arm and right leg. Rather than letting this tragedy end his career in rural electrification, Chuck transformed his experience into a mission to prevent similar accidents from happening to others. After working to master prosthetics and exploring other careers, he returned to the electric utility industry in 1996 as a safety instructor with a clear goal: reduce electrical contacts to zero.

Chuck's Impact by the Numbers:

• Visited 459 cooperatives during his career
• Helped reduce annual lineman burns from 200 per year (1980) to 64-68 per year in the co-op world
• Developed the famous "Chuckisms" - Four simple safety principles carried by linemen across the country
• Pioneered face-to-face safety training and honest conversations with crews

Key Safety Insights: Chuck discusses the evolution of safety equipment, the psychology of complacency, and why the 8-12 year experience range represents the highest risk period for linemen. He explains critical procedures like equipotential grounding, the importance of testing for present voltage, and the life-saving practice of applying water to electrical burns within 90 seconds.

The human element: Beyond technical safety procedures, Chuck emphasizes the importance of character, honest communication, and never becoming comfortable with dangerous work. His approach of speaking directly to linemen, even throwing his prosthetic hand across the room to make a point, has created lasting impact on safety culture throughout the industry.

Chuck's story demonstrates how personal tragedy can be transformed into a force for protecting others. His dedication to visiting cooperatives one-on-one, building relationships with crews, and speaking truth about safety risks has saved lives and influenced an entire generation of electrical workers.

Contact Chuck Tiemann at 256-874-5783 for safety training programs.

The Co-Op Heroes podcast brings you real stories from electric utility operators, the people who work around the clock to keep our communities powered.