What should workers treat all conductors as until proven otherwise?

Workers should treat all conductors as energized until proven otherwise because this approach ensures their safety and emphasizes the importance of caution in potentially hazardous working environments. The principle behind this safety protocol is that conductors may still hold a charge or could become energized unexpectedly, posing a serious risk of electrical shock or arcing. By maintaining a mindset that all conductors are energized, workers are more likely to follow appropriate safety measures, such as using personal protective equipment, maintaining safe distances, and following lockout/tagout procedures before attempting any work on or near those conductors.

The other options, while relevant in specific contexts, do not prioritize the immediate safety of workers in the same way. Treating conductors as de-energized could lead to a dangerous situation if they are actually live. Similarly, regarding conductors as neutral or grounded might create a false sense of security, as these statuses do not guarantee safety during handling.