Telecom & Cable Installers

Telecom, cable and fiber installers climb poles and ladders to work on lines that share space with power cables, then enter customers’ homes, attics and crawl spaces.

• Utilities
• Telecom

Top hazards

• Falls from ladders leaned on strand and from poles
• Contact with power lines in the communication space on shared poles
• Traffic while working near roads; vehicle crashes
• Dogs, unsafe homes, attics and crawl spaces
• Underground vaults (confined spaces)

Key practices

• Use strand-rated ladders with strand hooks, and fall protection on poles and in bucket trucks.
• Test strand and equipment for voltage before contact; keep minimum approach distances from power conductors.
• Set up cones and signs for roadside work. See Work Zones.
• Treat vaults and manholes as confined spaces. See Confined Spaces.
• Leave any customer location that feels unsafe and call your supervisor.

The communication space

On shared utility poles, power lines are at the top, and telephone, cable and fiber lines are lower in the communication space. Required clearances separate them, but sag, storms and bad installations can bring power conductors close or into contact with the strand. Down guys and the strand itself can become energized if something is wrong.

• Test the strand and pole hardware with a voltage detector before touching.
• Stay out of the power space unless you’re trained and qualified for it.
• Report damaged poles, low power lines and broken grounds to the power company.

Strand ladders

• Use a ladder rated for leaning on the strand, with strand hooks, and check that the strand can hold it.
• Secure the ladder at the bottom and use fall protection where required.
• Don’t lean a ladder on a strand near a power service drop.

Customer premises

• Check attics and crawl spaces for heat, insects, animals and electrical hazards before entering.
• Watch for unrestrained dogs; ask the customer to secure pets.
• Leave if anything feels unsafe, including threats or signs of illegal activity.

Before climbing

• Pole checked for rot, damage and lean
• Voltage test done on strand and hardware
• Ladder and fall protection inspected
• Traffic control set up
• Power lines and clearance identified

Last updated: October 1, 2026