On January 21, President Biden issued an executive order (EO) calling on Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue revised COVID-19 guidance to employers by February 4. In addition to issuing revised guidance, OSHA must consider if an emergency temporary standard (ETS) is necessary, including the necessity for masks in the workplace. If an ETS is deemed necessary—which Â鶹´«Ã½ expects OSHA to do—the agency must issue the standard by March 15. The EO further directs OSHA to launch a national emphasis program (NEP) to focus enforcement efforts on COVID-19 violations in workplaces that place large numbers of workers at risk and to respond to any retaliatory practices undertaken by employers, work with state OSHA plans to ensure that workers in those states are equally protected consistent with OSHA’s guidance and ETS, and to conduct outreach campaigns to inform workers of their rights. In addition, the EO puts forth a similar process for a COVID-19 ETS to be considered and issued by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) as soon as practicable. Â鶹´«Ã½ is engaging with these agencies to ensure the construction industries’ concerns are addressed.
Impact on Federal Construction Projects Unclear
Â鶹´«Ã½ Supports Employer Right to Maintain Safe, Drug-Free Workplaces
As of November 30, contractors working in the state of California are required to have a written COVID-19 Prevention Plan. Modeled off the Injury and Illness Prevention Program required of all California employers, the emergency temporary standard requires a written plan that addresses hazard identification, evaluation and correction, investigation, training, physical distancing, face coverings, and other engineering and administrative controls.
Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s Lean Construction Forum is focused on growing the implementation of lean practices in the construction industry by providing educational opportunities and developing a community where anyone with an interest in lean construction can come together to engage in a dialog on best practices, share information, and participate in a broad, coordinated effort to promote and define the use of lean concepts and processes within the construction industry.
Officials Say Nationwide Plan Should Set Clear Distribution Priorities, Warn that Delegating Responsibility for Distributing Coronavirus Vaccine to State & Local Officials will Lead to Confusion, Delays, & Hardship
Â鶹´«Ã½ Seeks to Protect Employers’ Right to Maintain Safe Workplaces
In a series of interactive webinars, U.S. government agencies and private sector partners will explore the role of public-private sector collaboration in addressing drug challenges. Join participants from around the country to listen to expert speakers from the full range of relevant sectors, inside and outside of government. The webinar week will be held September 21–25, 2020. Each day will showcase a distinct aspect of the drug crisis, and the fact- and outcome-driven discussions will explore creative and practical measures to strengthen our collective response.
During the week of September 14, Â鶹´«Ã½ and its members engaged in various efforts to celebrate the industry’s shared commitment to safety. The week kicked-off with a virtual event led by Â鶹´«Ã½â€™s CEO, Steve Sandherr, along with officials from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Loren Sweatt. The event also included a presentation from OSHA’s Directorate of Construction as well as a preview and discussion of the innovative approach one-member contractor has taken to raise awareness of the dangers associated with falls from ladders at various heights. In addition to the kick-off event, Â鶹´«Ã½ made available several free training and education resources from our key partners and friends. If you are interested in receiving a certificate of participation for your construction safety week event(s), you can complete the required form, found here.