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, AGC 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. AGC is currently exploring options to challenge the new rule, including filing a court challenge.

The AGC 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 AGC 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.

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.

Join organizations and individuals nationwide in spreading awareness for work zone safety starting on April 15, 2024. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be hosting the kick off event on April 16th with the theme “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.”

All Categories Post Increases Compared to February 2023, Suggesting Monthly Downturn is Due to Temporary Factors Rather than Cooling Demand for Most Types of Construction Projects

Report, Titled “AGC for All” Catalogues Association’s Accomplishments During the Past Year

On April 24, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) plans to consult the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) on its proposed regulatory framework for the Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings rule.