Labor, Industry Urge OMB To Release Final Power Rule, Press For NESC Standards

Both industry and organized labor are urging the Obama administration to publish a final rule setting safety requirements for electric power transmission and distribution, saying the rule would clear up confusion that arises from existing standards. Sources tell Inside OSHA Online that stakeholders also are pressing OSHA to write the upcoming rule so it comports with National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) consensus standards in two areas -- regulations on flame-resistant clothing and minimum approach distances. Representatives of the industry group Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and the Inter