HARRISBURG – The Senate today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-45) to ensure life-saving automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available where Pennsylvania lineworkers perform some of the most dangerous work.
Senate Bill 1328 would require electric utilities and their contractors to have AEDs readily available at worksites where lineworkers and other electrical workers perform their duties, including temporary and field locations.
“Pennsylvania’s utility lineworkers work in all weather and in inherently dangerous conditions, where sudden cardiac arrest from electrical shock on highly energized systems is a constant risk,” said President Travis Beck, Utility Workers Union of America System Local 102. “When we brought this concern to Senator Bartolotta, she immediately went to work for lineworkers and led the effort to ensure we have access to AEDs on our worksites. UWUA System Local 102 and the PA Energy Workers Alliance greatly appreciate her bipartisan leadership and her commitment to being a champion for energy workers.”
“Today’s bipartisan passage of SB 1328 in the Senate is a huge step forward for Pennsylvania’s lineworkers and the blue-collar energy workers who keep our hospitals, homes, schools and businesses running,” said Aric Baker, president, IBEW Local 459. “Lineworkers deserve real, life-saving protections on the job, and today’s vote shows what’s possible when lawmakers come together to prioritize worker safety. IBEW Local 459 thanks Senators Bartolotta and Pisciottano for their leadership and steadfast support of energy workers.”
“An AED is a relatively simple investment that can save a life,” Bartolotta said. “Our lineworkers are trained professionals who do dangerous work to keep our communities powered, and they deserve every reasonable protection we can provide.”
Sudden cardiac arrest can result from electrical shock, extreme exertion or trauma. The chance of survival decreases significantly with every minute that passes without defibrillation. AEDs are portable, simple to operate and designed to be used by individuals with minimal training.
Senate Bill 1328 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.