NEMA, NECA at Work on Second Joint National Electrical Installation Standard

NECA/NEMA 605, Nonmetallic Underground Utility Duct, will be the second standard jointly developed by two leading electrical industry organizations. The electrical installation standard is expected to be published in the spring of 2005.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association publishes technical standards that define the ratings and performance characteristics of electrical construction products ranging from conduits to motors to metal-enclosed switchgear; there are over 250 NEMA standards publications in print. The National Electrical Contractors Association publishes a smaller series of construction "best practices" known as the National Electrical Installation Standards.

This is the second time that NECA and NEMA have teamed up together to develop a joint NEIS. The first was NECA/NEMA 105-2002, Recommended Practice for Installing Metal Cable Tray Systems. Many of the National Electrical Installation Standards published to date have been developed in collaboration with other industry expert groups.

"It's our preferred way to work," explains Brooke Stauffer, executive director for standards and safety at NECA. "Creating electrical construction practices with groups like NEMA not only lets us piggyback on their technical expertise; it means the resulting publications are seen as true industry standards."

"We are pleased that NECA has chosen one of NEMA's standards to include in their NEIS series," said Rae Hamilton, vice president of communications at NEMA. "The series is of great value to electricians and helps disseminate important technical information to the field. Ultimately, it serves an important public safety goal."
NECA develops joint National Electrical Installation Standards with a total of eight other expert groups. They are:

• The Aluminum Association
  
• BICSI (telecommunications installers
  
• Electrical Generating Systems Association
  
• Fiber Optic Association
  
• Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
  
• National Electrical Manufacturers Association
• National Armored Cable Manufacturers Association
  
• Steel Tube Institute

Roll-out Near on AGC's Work Comp Program

By Steve Blois

.The AGC of California has formed a new program to help its members solve the current workers' compensation insurance crisis in California. The program's launch is expected to take place this month.

While the workers' compensation reform legislation recently adopted by the California legislature will help, it will not solve the whole problem, and it will take time to implement. By starting a group workers' compensation program, AGC hopes to leverage these reforms by quickly providing its members with a cost-effective alternative not previously available.

Last fall, a task force of AGC members started investigating the best way to provide its members with a better workers' compensation program than was currently available. After hiring a consultant and analyzing different types of programs, the task force agreed that a group captive program was most appropriate for the AGC. Proposals were solicited from six providers of group captive insurance, and five proposals were received. These five respondents were interviewed, and out of this process, AON Risk Services was selected to help the AGC craft a solution to the California workers' compensation crisis for its members.

A group captive for the AGC workers' compensation program will save money for its members while limiting liability, stabilizing premiums, and providing greater control over claims and loss control. Potential members must pay a minimum of $100,000 of expected premium, have a better than average loss history, be committed to safety and loss control, and have a desire to be involved and participate. There will also be a minimum capital contribution of $30,000 per member required along with a letter of credit.

Participants will own the group, and profits will eventually be returned. Aggressive claims management and loss control should improve the performance of the group. Because the group is new, it will be able to take advantage of the new reforms quicker than existing programs, and will have no old claims to divert attention from the new rules. Catastrophic losses will be capped at appropriate levels, and re-insurance will be provided for the group. A fronting carrier will allow member companies to issue certificates of insurance just as they presently do. Broker participation is encouraged.

For more details or inquiries, contact Marti Stroup Fisher, AGC Safety Manager at (916) 371-2422 or email stroupm@agc-ca.org.

Blois, of Blois Construction, is chairman of the AGC FIRM Committee.