OSHA announces final rule revising standards for electric power generation, transmission and distribution

OSHA today sent to the Federal Register a final rule (PDF*) to improve workplace safety and health for workers performing electric power generation, transmission and distribution work.

“This long- overdue update will save nearly 20 lives and prevent 118 serious injuries annually,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health. “Electric utilities, electrical contractors and labor organizations have persistently championed these much-needed measures to better protect the men and women who work on or near electrical power lines.”

The agency is revising the 40-year-old construction standard for electric power line work to make it more consistent with the corresponding general industry standard and is also making some revisions to the construction and general industry requirements to better protect workers. The final rule becomes effective 90 days after publication in the Federal Register. OSHA adopted delayed compliance deadlines for certain requirements. Read the news release and visit the new Power Generation Web page for more information.