Why are there more cable strikes in summer?

[csd72]

A Utilities company that I do work for has discovered that their mainslayers damage more cables during summer than in winter.

They seem to have done a good statistical analysis that allows for any skew from hours worked, lay rate e.t.c. but I was wondering if anyone else has come across such a factor. Does anyone have any suggestions for what may cause this.

We have come up with harder soil and higher fatigue as factors among other less likely possibilities but it would be good to hear if anyone has any other suggestions.

 

[bimr]

Call it human behavior. There is much more work and occurring in the summer as well as urgency. More familiarity with the work leads to a complacent attitude. Complacency causes accident. That is why companies constantly reinforce safety.

 

[csd72]

Thanks, that is definately a factor but the seasonal distribution is statistically significant. Complacency is not seasonal.

 

[bimr]

If a person was digging a hole every day in the summer rather than once per month as in the winter, the person would be more complacement in his work. Is there a comparion in an area such as Hawaii where the work is not seasonal?

Another aspect is that most companies get rid of the younger people in the winter as well as when work slows while holding on to the experienced personnel. I would expect newcomers to make more mistakes.