75th Annual Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Conference

The Pole Top Rescue Competition became part of the Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference in 1973. Teams of linemen from the electrical utility industry compete for honors in rescuing a victim from a utility pole in a mock industrial accident.

Accidents, like the one involving Randall Champion in 1967, highlighted the need for specific rescue training. Over time, specialized equipment and techniques were developed to safely lower a victim from a pole.

The Pole Top Rescue Competition emerged as a way to showcase and refine these skills, with teams competing to demonstrate their proficiency in simulated rescue scenarios.

The preliminary competition will be held Tuesday, September 29. Teams are given a “problem” or situation that makes the rescue more difficult and requires them to think about the safest and most effective way to rescue the victim.

The top four teams compete on the Tollefson Plaza near the Greater Tacoma Convention Center Wednesday, September 30 during lunch break. The convention center has a great view to watch the Finals.

Winners will be announced the following day at our Pole Top Awards Luncheon. Who will win the coveted trophy this year?