Electric power transmission final rule under review

Washington – The Office of Management and Budget is reviewing OSHA’s final rule updating the agency’s standards on electric power transmission and distribution; and electrical protective equipment.

The update was submitted for review June 27, and the process – which typically takes about 90 days – is one of the final steps before the rule is published in the Federal Register.

Approximately 50 power line workers per 100,000 employees die every year, and OSHA’s revision to the rules will help prevent many of the deaths, according to the agency. The changes will affect a 35-year-old construction standard that addresses the safety of workers around the construction of electric power transmission and distribution lines; the corresponding general industry standard; personal protective equipment requirements; and fall protection requirements in aerial lifts for work around power generation, transmission and distribution installations.