Syracuse – New York State Assemblyman William B. Magnarelli (D-120) announced passage of a crucial amendment extending the labor law relating to industry work practices, procedures and standards applicable to energized high voltage lines for employee safety.

“Working with energized high voltage lines is a very dangerous profession, and we must take all the steps necessary to ensure a safe and secure work environment for these brave men and women,” Magnarelli said.

The initial legislation, passed in 1974, ensures that energized high voltage workers remain safe in the erection, maintenance, repair, construction or installation of such lines and other associated equipment. This bill extends the current statute until July 1, 2013 to ensure continued protection of high voltage line workers. Currently, the statute would sunset on July 1, 2008.

Magnarelli said that the current law provides for the safety of these workers, and this amendment extends this protection for another five years. He further thanked Governor Paterson for signing this important extension into law.