I've worked as a lineman about 10 years before going to the tel-co. I would NEVER get in between a winch and it's load to pull on the line. I have seen commercial equipment fail that was used properly and inspected on a daily basis. It can and does happen, and believe you me you don't wan't to be in the path if it does. This is why winches come with remotes, so you can get the heck out of the way.
