Author: Nazia Shah

On May 19, the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) meeting focused on two major OSHA rulemaking topics: proposed changes to chemical-specific respirator requirements and a potential new OSHA standard for tree care operations. OSHA presented proposals intended to streamline respirator provisions in several chemical-specific standards by relying more consistently on OSHA’s respiratory protection standard – 29 CFR 1910.134. OSHA explained that the proposals were meant to reduce duplicative requirements, provide more flexibility in respirator selection, and update certain older substance-specific provisions. A major outcome was ACCSH’s unanimous recommendation that OSHA retain HEPA filter requirements for certain high-hazard…

On July 6, the Trump administration published the 2026 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. The regulatory agenda identifies rulemaking initiatives across the federal government for each agency. Agencies list their existing regulatory projects, intentions for new projects, and the timelines on which those projects will be completed. While the information offered is limited, the list of rulemakings allows stakeholders like AGC to track and anticipate regulations that impact construction. Specific to safety, the following are the rules that AGC will monitor closely: Once the above rulemakings are published in the Federal Register, AGC staff will work with members and…

The next AGC Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Forum is scheduled for July 15, 2:00pm – 3:00pm, Eastern Time. Join Rich Jones, Founder/CEO of BuildWell Health, to explore how daily habits and stress management influence overall mental health and well-being. Participants will gain a better understanding of the stress cycle, identify personal stress-triggered vulnerabilities, and learn practical, evidence-based strategies to build resilience and manage stress more effectively. The AGC Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Forum meets virtually, on a quarterly basis, with the goal of providing a safe space where construction industry stakeholders can gather to share success stories, challenges, and seek/share resources…

The Construction Safety & Health Conference runs July 22–24 in Minneapolis. Three days, dozens of sessions, one goal: smarter programs, stronger teams. If you want an insider’s view of the future of OSHA: State of Play: Federal OSHA Update — Wednesday, 8:00 AM OSHA is evolving from regulator to partner, with a renewed focus on collaboration, smarter enforcement, predictive safety, and emerging issues like mental health, heat stress, and workplace violence. Hear firsthand from David Keeling, head of OSHA, how these priorities could reshape compliance and safety leadership in construction. If you’re building something bigger than your title: Legacy…

On April 30, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued updated enforcement guidelines for its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS). In May of 2024, OSHA revised the HCS to align with the UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) revision seven (7) and international trading partners. Chemical manufacturers, importers and distributors must comply with all updated provisions when evaluating substances, no later than May 19, 2026, and when evaluating mixtures, no later than November 19, 2027. Employers have an additional 6 months to update their hazard communication program, workplace labels, and training, as necessary. While the…

Workers involved in flood response and recovery face a wide range of hazards, from contaminated floodwaters and unstable terrain to electrical hazards and dangerous driving conditions. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released three new flood safety infographics, reminding employers and workers to wear appropriate PPE, avoid entering moving floodwaters, inspect worksites for hazards such as downed power lines and unstable ground, and establish emergency procedures, evacuation routes, and communication plans before work begins. The resources also emphasize monitoring changing conditions and using extreme caution around flooded roadways and saturated soil…

OSHA has issued an updated Voluntary Protection Programs Policies and Procedures Manual, which details policies and procedures for administering the VPP. Significant changes include: For a full summary of updates, please see the directive. For more information on the VPP, please visit osha.gov/vpp. If you have questions, please contact Jackie Annis or Whitney Hymes in DCSP’s Office of Partnerships and Recognition. Contact Kevin Cannon for more information.

This edited interview is adapted from the June 3 AGC Safety & Health Town Hall discussion on heat safety featuring Kevin Cannon, Senior Director of Safety, Health, and Risk Management at AGC of America, Stephen Kinn, Senior Safety Manager at Kwest Group, and Eric Simmons, Vice President of Risk Management at Helix Electric. The conversation explores the evolving regulatory landscape, practical elements of effective heat safety programs, training and acclimatization strategies, emergency response planning, and innovative practices contractors are using to protect workers from heat-related hazards. View the Recording | Download the Slides Q: What is the current heat safety regulatory landscape,…

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has scheduled a series of informal public hearings on the proposed rules identified below. Informal public hearings will be held virtually beginning Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., and will continue on subsequent weekdays. To testify, provide documentary evidence, or question other witnesses at any of the hearings, individuals must file a Notice of Intention to Appear (NOITA) using this form: https://www.osha.gov/form/deregulatory-rulemaking-hearings. There is no need to submit a NOITA if you only intend to watch the hearings. Instructions for viewing the hearings will be posted separately in the coming months. For more…

Hosted by the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA), with support from the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), the goal of the annual Trench Safety Stand Down (TSSD) is to reach out to the many workers who work in and around trenches and excavations to provide them with information about current excavation requirements and safety procedures for working in trenches. To access all the resources you need to plan your event, visit the NUCA TSSD webpage. Below is a roundup of AGC and other resources related to trenching and excavation safety. Opportunities for Engagement Contact Nazia Shah for more information.