July, 16 2014 
In This Issue
Top News 

OSHA Issues Interim Enforcement Policy on Electric Power Generation Rule

 

On June 20, OSHA issued a temporary enforcement policy on selected sections of the updated Electric Power rule that specifically address PPE.  The temporary policy, effective as of July 10, 2014 give employers until October 31, 2014 to comply with the new rule's most important requirements - minimum approach distances and general safety when working on electrical power lines. The sections on approach distances are arguably the most complex, and OSHA is providing additional time for employers to conduct detailed analyses to comply with the rule.

 

While enforcement of this new section is being delayed, if an OSHA compliance officer finds an employer who is not complying with the old electrical power standards, a citation will be issued. Delayed until October 31 are the following:

 

Sections 1910.137(b) and 1926.97(b):  Addresses "design requirements for other types of electrical protective equipment for general industry and construction, respectively. (In the final rule these sections can be found on page 20630 for general industry and 20693 for construction).

 

Section 1910.269:  Addresses "the operation and maintenance of electric power generation, control, transformation, transmission, and distribution lines and equipment" in general industry.  It is also known as Subpart R, and it, along with Subpart V, is arguably the heart of the new rule.  (The new requirements for Subpart R begin on page 20633).

 

Section 1926, Subpart V:  Addresses "the construction of electric power transmission and distribution lines and equipment."  Subpart V includes new regulations on PPE, which are found at 1926.954, on page 20699.   Some of the fall protection regulations in the new 1926.954 do not become effective until 2015.

 

For more information on this, see OSHA's statement on the temporary standard or contact Dan Glucksman via email or at 703-525-1695.  

Washington Update

OSHA Cites Willful Safety Violation After Workers Expected to 'Free Climb' 195-Foot Tower Without Adequate Fall Protection

 

The willful violation cites the company for failing to ensure workers climbing the tower were using effective and adequate fall protection, including installing a climbing cable to the tower. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirement, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health. 

OSHA Chief: Inequality in America Is About Workplace Hazards, Too

 

David Michaels, Ph.D., M.P.H., who is responsible for enforcing federal laws to protect workers from illness and injury, says the regulatory structures he oversees aren't sufficient to protect vulnerable workers from harm.

OSHA to Hold Meeting of National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health Temporary Workers Workgroup

The workgroup is meeting on July 28, 2014, in Washington, D.C. to continue its discussion of issues regarding protecting temporary workers and develop recommendations for NACOSH's consideration. The issues include gaps in workplace protection for temporary workers, differences between temporary workers and contract workers and joint responsibility of host employers and staffing agencies.

Recent Fatalities Serve as a Reminder to Protect Workers From Demolition Hazards 

 

OSHA launches updated website and training resources for construction demolition industry to address the hazards common in demolition operations and the safety measures that can be taken to prevent them.
Please feel free to send me any pertinent information you would like to share in the MID, such as company events and important announcements. Be sure to let me know if you have any feedback via email: Lbaugh@safetyequipment.org

Sincerely,

Lydia Baugh
Communications Director/ MID Editor
International Safety Equipment Association
International Safety Equipment Association | safetyequipment.org
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