OSHA Focus

I was on vacation last week, so I was unable to attend the AGC Safety & Health Committee meeting in Washington, DC. But, a friend and fellow committee member gave me a brief update on some of the more interesting points.

On the 23rd, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor Jordan Barab (apparently soon to be replaced by Dr. Michaels), addressed the group. Barab indicated that OSHA will be making a major effort on enforcement (no surprises there). Then, Noah Connell, Deputy Director of Construction for OSHA reiterated OSHA's belief in the importance of the Focus Four and the Focus Four training efforts that most of us have been putting forth over the past several years.

My colleague reported that his interpretation of the remarks indicate that OSHA will be taking a "Zero Tolerance" approach to Fall Protection violations. So, if you haven't gotten the message yet, you had better get on board soon. Falls protection is one of the most serious concerns with which we deal in the construction industry. And, fall hazards will be cited as heavily as they are able.

There was also talk of increasing the penalties within the current cap; and, talk of raising the cap. Sounds like OSHA will be much less tolerant of poor players in the construction industry. Although that sounds ominous, it will give those of us who do comply a competitive edge over the slackers who give the construction industry a bad name in the safety arena.

He also reported that there was specific mention of Texas and Housing Construction and more, as Hilda Solis referred to them, SWAT Teams - or, as we referred to them in Florida - "Blitzes."