Safety and accountability are important in any workplace, but much more so in the utility industry. According to OSHA statistics, the utility industry saw more than 22,000 injuries in 2006, including 52 fatalities. With the goal of keeping more linemen safe in 2008, Cooper Hand Tools recently introduced their new Campbell Hand-Line Utility Block.

“We looked at the statistics and listened to our customers, and realized that we had the power to improve safety conditions,” said Seth Holliday, National Account Manager, Cooper Hand Tools.  “Our new Hand-Line Utility Block’s sides and sheave are made from insulating (dielectric) material tested to ASTM D149-97a.  This helps to reduce the risk of electrocution and increase the safety of the linemen in the field. The new Campbell Hand-Line Utility Block provides an excellent alternative to some of the blocks made of metal that are on the market today.” 

The new block features a safety latch and supports a working load limit of 1,000 lbs for a fraction of the price of most competing brands.  The lightweight fiberglass body means that the block is easy to carry, without sacrificing ruggedness and durability.  The three-inch sheave will accommodate up to 5/8” rope.  The new Hand-Line Utility Block was designed to complement Cooper Hand Tools’ HK Porter Utilities Cutters, which are a popular product with linemen.