Switching platform
In the earlier years of the electric industry, it was not uncommon to have insulated switching platforms so the lineman could be sure they were isolated from ground when throwing the switch.
Over the years, the switch designs improved to where it was all but impossible to get a shock while working the switch, so these have fallen by the wayside. Seems this one had the slats added so one's feet couldn't slip to the side, important if trying to work the switch after an ice storm.
The company eventually took this platform away and put down a modern corrugated steel 'stair tread' plate in its place.
Switching platform
In the earlier years of the electric industry, it was not uncommon to have insulated switching platforms so the lineman could be sure they were isolated from ground when throwing the switch.
Over the years, the switch designs improved to where it was all but impossible to get a shock while working the switch, so these have fallen by the wayside. Seems this one had the slats added so one's feet couldn't slip to the side, important if trying to work the switch after an ice storm.
The company eventually took this platform away and put down a modern corrugated steel 'stair tread' plate in its place.