October 8, 2003—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has announced an alliance with labor unions and employers in the Southeast to save lives, avoid injuries, and teach young workers how to work safely with electricity. Alliance members include OSHA’s Atlanta regional office, the fifth and tenth districts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the Southeastern Line Constructors Chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), and the Southeastern Line Constructors Apprenticeship and Training Council (SELCAT).
From October 1, 1999, to September 30, 2002, OSHA reportedly investigated 137 fatal accidents in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and Mississippi that resulted from contact with live electrical sources. Of these accidents, 65 involved contact with energized power transmission lines and associated equipment.
Eliminating the major contributing factors involved in these fatalities is one goal of the alliance. In each of these four states, experienced and apprentice electrical workers will attend training sessions to improve their ability to recognize and maintain a safe working distance from power sources; use proper grounding techniques, and wear proper protective equipment.
