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On April 1, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) published its Worker Walkaround Representative Designation Process final rule that made significant changes to its existing regulation regarding individuals that can serve as the authorized employee representative during the physical inspection of workplaces. According to OSHA, the new rule clarifies that consistent with the OSH Act, employee representatives may either be an employee of the employer or a third party. These third-party individuals could potentially include union representatives at non-union worksites, community activists, worker advocacy groups, and personal injury attorneys, among others. While OSHA believes that there will be no change to the current inspection process, �鶹��ý believes that there are significant concerns that could arise from the agency’s new policy. Such concerns include the lack of a formal process for the identification of the representative among employees, lack of notification to employers as to whom this individual may be as well as an established process for employers to dispute the selection, and the limited ability for a compliance safety and health officer to verify the qualifications of the individual or individuals. Further, the new rule could expose employers to increased liability of injury in the event an inexperienced person gains access to a construction site. �鶹��ý is currently exploring options to challenge the new rule, including filing a court challenge.

Excavation projects are critical for the development and construction of utility systems, such as drinking and wastewater pipes, traditional and renewable energy sources, and broadband internet. Safety protocols must be adhered to throughout the entire construction process to reduce damages. These safety protocols usually begin with a call to a state one-call notification center before excavation.

The �鶹��ý of America Utility Infrastructure Division is pleased to announce the election of Kathy Freeman as Division Chair for 2024-2025. Kathy ascended to the position during the �鶹��ý Annual Convention in San Diego, CA. She serves as Safety Director for the Mortensen Denver Operating Group and focuses on the planning, development, coordination and administration of safety and health programs within the organization.

There are four main project delivery methods in construction: design-bid-build, design-build, construction management at-risk (CM@R), and integrated project delivery (IPD). ConsensusDocs is providing an April 4th Webinar on Construction Project Delivery Meth0ds 101 that will explain how the contracts you sign ultimately determine project delivery methodology. Register here. Choosing the right project delivery method for your project is a fundamental decision for success. All registrants will receive a recording of the webinar.

This year’s theme for Construction Safety Week is “VALUE EVERY VOICE.” The focus is on driving personal ownership of safety, welcoming new ideas, fostering healthy communication, and improving workplace culture. To access all the resources you need to plan your event, visit the Construction Safety Week website.

The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) Expert Evaluation Panel recently released guidance for employers on selecting head protection equipment in construction. It covers the importance of head protection, types of hazards, standards and regulations, choosing the right helmet, and maintenance and replacement considerations. It emphasizes the need for proper fit, comfort, and suitability for the specific work environment.

The �鶹��ý Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Forum meets virtually on a quarterly basis to gather/share information, resources, and best practices among stakeholders in the construction industry. The next forum is scheduled for April 17, 2pm – 3pm, Eastern Time. Join us for a discussion on financial literacy programs for employees. Hear from two �鶹��ý contractor members about their programs – contents, implementation, lessons learned, etc. If you would like to participate in the forum, sign up here. Until then, you are encouraged to browse the website created to house important and lifesaving tools related to mental health and suicide prevention.

On March 22, at the 2024 �鶹��ý Annual Convention in San Diego, California, nearly 60 member companies were recognized across 21 divisional categories in the Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA). The CSEA, sponsored by WTW and Starr Insurance, is the industry’s elite safety excellence awards program. The CSEA recognizes companies that have developed and implemented premier safety and risk control programs and showcases companies that have achieved continuous improvement and maintenance of their safety and health management systems.

As the days grow warmer and longer, excavation activity ramps up. That’s why every year, Congress declares April as National Safe Digging Month. Did you know that there are more than 500 dig-ins to buried utilities and pipelines every day in the U.S.?* That’s more than 500 daily opportunities for serious injuries to workers and communities.