Keep in mind that if we define insulated tools as 'safety equipment,' it becomes the employers' burden to provide them.
Personally John, from the tools I've seen that are "employer provided", I'd sooner bring my own tools to work.
I once had a falling out with a guy because he insisted I use his tools, which were merely more than cheap or rusty junk.
The 32mm conduit bending spring he gave me looked like it had been sitting under-water for about 3 years, when I went to bend it, it dis-integrated.
Like any tradesman that uses their tools to make a living, I take my tools very seriously, having worked with HV stuff only re-inforces that.
Only handymen shop at the dollar store for tools.
Buy well, buy once, is what I was bought up with.
Having said that, I carry a full compliment of insulated screwdrivers, spanners, hot-sticks and cover-up gear.
This is mainly because I might need this stuff, it is better to have with you than to be found wanting at a job, where you should have it.
KJay,
Over here, if you are climbing a ladder to go up a pole, you are required to be wearing a pole belt.
And secondly, you need to test that pole before you even lean any sort of ladder against it.
The number of times a pole has rusted or rotted out at grade level and has caused the demise of more than a few liney's, it goes without thinking.