DOL Publishes Proposed Rule to Amend Davis-Bacon Regulations
Representing the first comprehensive review in nearly 40 years, DOL believes revisions may provide greater clarity and enhance usefulness in the modern economy. In conjunction with the Construction Employers of America (CEA), ICE will submit comments to DOL. The proposed rule can be reviewed here
New Data Bulletin Examines Construction Employment
The March 2022 issue of CPWR’s Data Bulletin focuses on two topics: 1) employment trends from 2011 to 2021, including the impact of COVID-19, and 2) employment projections through 2030.
Annual National Stand-Down to Prevent Struck-by Incidents: April 11-15
This year’s Struck-by Stand-Down is expanding from a one-day event to a full week of activities to coordinate with National Work Zone Awareness Week. During the Stand-Down, CPWR and the Struck-by Work Group will host a series of webinars covering relevant topics. Visit CPWR’s Struck-By pages for more information and resources.
9th Annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction: May 2-6
The OSHA-NIOSH-CPWR Stand-Down to Prevent Falls will again take place during the first week of May. The Stand-Down is a week-long event to raise awareness around fall hazards and the importance of preventing them. Employers across the country are invited to pause work on their job sites to engage in inspecting fall protection equipment, conducting training, joining one of the Falls Campaign’s webinars, or any other Stand-Down activities that emphasize and improve fall safety. For more information about what this year holds, watch this Falls Campaign webinar on the importance of a year-round fall prevention program and check out CPWR’s One-Stop Stand-Down Shop to order resources materials, download Toolbox Talks, find social media messaging, and much more.
OSHA Proposes Recordkeeping Amendments
On March 30 OSHA issued its proposed amendments to its recordkeeping regulation. The current regulation requires certain employers to electronically submit injury and illness information to OSHA. The most significant change is that covered establishments with 100 or more employees in certain high-hazard industries—including construction—are now going to be required to electronically submit information from their OSHA Forms 300, 301 and 300A to OSHA once a year (rather than just the 300A), and the data will be posted online by OSHA.
OSHA Proposes Rule to Update Design Requirements of Forklifts
On February 16, OSHA issued a proposed rule to update the design and construction requirements of the powered industrial trucks (forklifts) standards for general industry and construction by incorporating by reference the applicable provisions of the most relevant national consensus standards.
OSHA Seeks Comments On COVID-19 ETS For Healthcare That Could Cover Construction
On March 23, the OSHA published a limited reopening of the comment period and an informal public hearing on its COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for healthcare (Subpart U). OSHA is seeking comment on possibly expanding the scope of the healthcare rule to cover some construction activities. Specifically, the notice states “A.6 - Limited Coverage of Construction Activities in Healthcare Settings: OSHA did not expressly include employers that engage in construction work in hospitals, long-term care facilities and other settings that are covered by the ETS. The construction industry was not included in OSHA’s industrial profile for the rule. OSHA is considering clarifying this coverage and seeks comment on this approach. For example, OSHA is considering the same coverage for workers engaged in construction work inside a hospital (e.g., installing new ventilation or new equipment or adding a new wall) as for workers engaged in maintenance work or custodial tasks in the same facility. OSHA could consider exceptions for construction work in isolated wings or other spaces where construction employees would not be exposed to patients or other staff.”
Securing a Strong Retirement Act
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announces the addition of the "Securing a Strong Retirement Act of 2022" to upcoming docket of votes. Although the bill does NOT include composite plans, it would expand Americans' ability to save for retirement. ICE will continue to monitor the legislation as a possible vehicle in the Senate for the pension reform we continue to advocate for. Read more about the bill here.
DOJ and DOL Cooperate on Misclassification
The DOJ signed a cooperative memo with the Department of Labor (DOL) on March 10 to address anticompetitive conduct that harms workers, including misclassification of employees. Additional info is available here.
Biden Budget
Biden Budget includes increased funding for OSHA, higher funding for registered apprenticeships and more protection for workers to form unions and collectively bargain. Review the House Education and Labor Committee Chair statement here.
Build Back Better Act not dead yet?
Sen. Joe Manchin (WV) signals possible support for a revised bill that is more targeted; smaller in scope and price tag. Click here for more.
