On January 19, AGC, along with the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) and Signatory Wall and Ceiling Contractors Alliance (SWACCA), submitted comprehensive comments to OSHA reiterating the construction industry’s success in protecting workers throughout the pandemic, while also reminding the agency of the low-risk nature of construction work. The joint comments further detailed how the ETS will exacerbate the workforce shortage for covered contractors, significantly increase construction project costs, and potentially result in delays that will undermine the nation’s economic recovery.
Additionally, the comments strongly recommended that OSHA take a risk-based approach in developing a permanent standard if the agency remains committed to moving forward. Such an approach would regulate industry sectors that present a high risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. AGC will continue to monitor the rulemaking process and keep its members informed of any key developments.
For more information, please contact Kevin Cannon at kevin.cannon@agc.org or Nazia Shah at nazia.shah@agc.org.