The Qualified Eyes Upon Us: A Reflection on Responsibility, Readiness, and Resolve

In the world of electric power generation, transmission, and distribution, every arc, every switch, every climb carries weight not only in voltage but in responsibility. The title Qualified Employee is not a badge of seniority; it’s a declaration of knowledge, competence, and courage.

A qualified employee is more than someone who knows how to do the work it’s someone who understands why the work must be done safely.

OSHA defines this person as one knowledgeable in the construction and operation of the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution equipment involved, along with the associated hazards.

That definition doesn’t just live on paper; it lives in the field, in the quiet hum of a substation, in the measured steps across an energized right-of-way, and in the judgment that separates routine from risk.

Who’s Watching Us

“Who’s watching us?” isn’t a question of surveillance… it’s a question of integrity. The eyes upon us are many:

• The apprentice looking for example,

• The journeyman measuring trust,

• The safety professional ensuring compliance,

• The public depending on our power to stay on and our crews to come home.

Each one expects that we embody the standard. That we are qualified, not just experienced.

Because experience without understanding is exposure, and exposure without control is a hazard waiting to happen.

Training and Truth

OSHA reminds us that qualification is not a one-time certificate. It’s a continual demonstration.

An employee must have the training required by §1926.950(b)(2) to be a qualified employee.

Training isn’t a checkbox. It’s the ongoing rhythm of learning, mentoring, and testing the boundaries of what we know against what could hurt us. It’s the apprentice, under supervision, showing that they can perform at their level safely, confidently, and consistently.

An employee undergoing on-the-job training who has demonstrated the ability to perform duties safely under the direct supervision of a qualified person is a qualified person for those duties.

That means qualification is not granted; it’s earned and proven daily.

Courage Over Comfort

In every switching order, every clearance, and every job briefing, there comes a moment when comfort whispers “it’s fine” but courage demands “double-check.”

• Courage over comfort is the voice that says “Stop. Let’s verify.”

• Courage over comfort is the act of calling out a missing step before it becomes a missing life.

• Courage over comfort is knowing that doing the right thing might make you unpopular but it will always make you safe.

In our industry, bravery isn’t climbing the highest pole; it’s speaking when silence feels easier. It’s having the grit to be the one who prevents, not the one who regrets.

Qualified to Protect

Being a qualified person is not just about technical skill it’s about moral skill. It’s about having the awareness that someone is watching:

• The apprentice watching how you handle authority.

• The crew watching how you respond to pressure.

• The company watching for leadership.

• The industry watching for standards.

We maintain safety and compliance not because OSHA demands it, but because our people deserve it. Our families deserve it. Our trade deserves it.

So, when you pull your rubber gloves on, when you verify your grounds, when you sign that clearance remember:

Someone is always watching.

Let them see a qualified person.

Let them see courage over comfort.

Let them see why this industry remains one of the proudest in the world.