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The Line Workers Rodeo held great significance for The CARILEC Disaster
Assistance Programme (CDAP), as it placed a strong emphasis on
safety, learning, and disaster restoration support for Caribbean Utilities.
Seventeen teams representing thirteen Electric Utility Companies from
across the Caribbean region competed in various challenging tasks and
scenarios, simulating real-world situations they might encounter during
disaster restoration efforts

out to ensure that they were in impeccable working order. This practice underscored the significance of
equipment maintenance in mitigating accidents.

Disaster Preparation was one of the pillars upon which the Line workers Rodeo was designed. The CARILEC
Line workers Rodeo was not just about showcasing skills; it also served as a beacon of preparedness for
disasters. Initiatives under this subheading included:

• Resource Sharing and Stockpiling: The competition encouraged electric utilities to share resources and
expertise, as well as maintain stockpiles of essential materials and equipment. These measures aimed to
expedite recovery during disasters and emergencies.

• Community Engagement and Support: The Rodeo reinforced the connection between electric utilities and the
communities they serve. It encouraged community outreach, building a stronger bond between line workers
and the public, fostering mutual support during times of crisis.

The Game Rules also contributed to fostering best practices as these were designed to maximize learning
opportunities for the participants. The game rules included:

• Emphasis on Teamwork: Many events were structured to encourage teamwork, highlighting the importance
of clear communication and collaboration. Effective teamwork was demonstrated to be a key factor in
ensuring the safety and success of line workers at the Rodeo as much as during routine work or disaster
restoration activities. A participant reinforced the importance of teamwork at the Rodeo in the following
statement “being graded as a team and not individually, helped enforce the right attitude, behaviour and
mindset.”

• Judicious Scoring: The scoring system promoted an equitable evaluation of participants, focusing on safety
practices, speed, and precision. This encouraged line workers to constantly strive for improvement and
maintain safety as their top priority. In Hurtman rescue for example, a 10-point deduction was applied for
dropping the mannequin too hard to the ground and a 10-point deduction was applied for cutting the belt
in the wrong place. Timing in Hurtman rescue is central to saving the life of the line worker in a real rescue
ituation, as such, exceeding 4 minutes to complete the event resulted in a 10-point penalty.

EVENT COMPETITIONS
The CARILEC Line workers Rodeo featured several challenging competitions, each designed to hone specific
line worker skills of the seventeen teams that signed up for the event. These competitions included:

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