SENATE REPUBLICANS OPT FOR SPEED OVER SAFETY WITH ELECTRICIAN TRAINING

AUGUSTA – The Maine State Senate voted largely along party lines on a measure that decreases supervision of electricians-in-training and undercuts master electricians.

“This a dangerous bill that puts workers in jeopardy and increases the likelihood of mistakes,” said Sen. Troy Jackson of Allagash, who also serves on the Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development Committee. “We should not be taking short cuts when it comes to the training and safety for the next generation of electricians.”

The bill changes current law to allow “helper electricians” to work with less oversight. It allows a master electrician to supervise two helper electricians instead of having a one-to-one ratio that is currently law. According to the Maine DOL, 46.7 percent of injuries on the job involve employees with less than two years of experience.

The bill will go on to the House for further votes.