Author: Nazia Shah
On September 4, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released its 2025 Spring Regulatory Agenda. The list includes nearly forty (40) regulatory initiatives in various stages of the rulemaking process, with a primary focus on deregulatory efforts. The list also includes five rules that are due to become final within the next year, which do not have a direct impact on the construction industry. AGC had previously written on our planned response to the deregulatory efforts but will continue to engage on the remainder of the rulemakings that will impact the construction industry. These rulemakings include welding in construction…
On August 20, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) extended the public comment deadline for 20 proposed workplace safety rules from September 2, 2025, to November 1, 2025, providing additional time for industry input. The proposed rules, which are primarily deregulatory actions, represent the most significant potential reduction in construction safety compliance burdens in years. AGC plans to submit comments by the November 1 deadline. If you have questions about these regulations or would like to highlight a substance-specific proposal that deserves more attention, please reach out to Kevin Cannon. COMPLETE LIST OF PROPOSED WORKPLACE SAFETY RULES
September is officially recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. AGC invites all construction professionals to prioritize mental health and well-being in our workplaces and beyond. To support you, AGC offers a wide range of resources, from training courses and best practice guides to toolbox talks and community initiatives, designed to help companies and individuals take meaningful action. Why September Matters in Construction Key AGC Resources for You and Your Team For more information and resources, visit our dedicated webpage. A Call to Action Let’s use this month to take steps – big or small – that strengthen connections, reduce stigma,…
As August 11th – National 8-1-1 Day – approaches, consider the role that responsible excavation plays in the safety of your workforce. Every year, the leading cause of damage to underground utilities is failure to contact 811 before digging, according to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA). Alarmingly, the U.S. sees an average of nearly 100 dig-ins to buried utilities every day for this reason.* These incidents represent 100 daily opportunities for serious harm to workers and community members, stemming solely from the oversight of not notifying 811. Excavation training and resources are part of any robust safety program. This 8/11…
Every year, during September — National Suicide Prevention Month — the construction industry dedicates a week to raising awareness about the unique challenges workers face in construction that may lead to suicide and what we can do to help prevent it. Join the movement by registering your company at ConstructionSuicidePrevention.com and use the resources provided to plan activities with your workers during Suicide Prevention Week, September 8 – 12. 2025 THEME While the factors that lead to suicide are complex, research shows that loneliness could put someone at a greater risk for suicidal behavior, according to the U.S. Department of…
The U.S. Department of Labor, on July 24, announced several programs designed to help employers, unions, and pension plans voluntarily assess and improve their compliance with federal labor laws. The self-audit programs, which include new and updated offerings, aim to enhance worker protections while reducing the likelihood of formal investigation or litigation. “Self-audits are one of the most effective ways to build a culture of compliance and trust,” said Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling. “These programs are designed to give employers, unions, and benefit plan officials the tools they need to correct potential violations proactively. By empowering the regulated…
The Safe + Sound campaign is a year-round initiative aimed at helping you ensure that your business excels in health and safety. The campaign encourages every workplace to create a culture of safety through three core elements: management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards. Prioritizing safety and health programs protects your workers from injuries, illnesses, and fatalities AND reduces costs, increases productivity, and improves overall business operations. If you aren’t sure where to begin, Safe + Sound is here to support you. The campaign provides educational opportunities, resources, and activities to help you strengthen…
Following a recent series of trench collapses in the Midwest, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging workplaces to take the necessary steps to safeguard workers from well-known industry hazards that can be prevented when the required protections are used. Soil can be heavy – one cubic yard can weigh as much as a car – so it is important to know and test the type of soil at every worksite before work begins. Large amounts of rain can impact soil and significantly increase the weight, causing it to become more hazardous and likelier to collapse. Never…
Celebrating 40 Years of Safety Excellence in Construction AGC of America, WTW | Willis, and STARR are proud to continue our longstanding partnership dedicated to advancing safety in the construction industry. The Legacy Forty years ago, this collaboration launched the prestigious Construction Safety Excellence Awards (CSEA) – now the most respected safety recognition in North America. The Impact For the past 12 years, the innovative strategies and real-world solutions presented by CSEA finalists at the AGC Annual Convention have been captured in the Construction Safety Management Best Practices Playbook – a resource now used by contractors worldwide. Now Available: 2025…
The AGC Summer 2025 Construction Safety & Health Conference delivered a dynamic mix of executive insight, hands‑on learning, and career‑centered growth. With timely sessions on regulatory updates, ergonomics, fatigue mitigation, and safety culture transformation – plus unique highlights like the “Lessons from Millie” lunch talk – it offered valuable takeaways for safety professionals at every stage of their journey. Attendees left equipped not only with new technical knowledge but also refreshed enthusiasm and actionable strategies to elevate safety across their organizations. Save the dates for AGC’s 2026 Safety & Health Conferences: For more information, contact Nazia Shah.