List Your Equipment For Free  /  Seller Login

OSHA COVID Safety Rules Give Workplace Flexibility to Transportation Construction Firms

Mon June 14, 2021 - National Edition
ARTBA


New guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) grant transportation construction contractors and other businesses the flexibility to adopt COVID safety protocols that fit their specific workplaces, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

"Today's OSHA announcement is a well-reasoned approach that will let the transportation construction industry continue to provide safety protections tailored to its workers as they build our roads and keep our country moving during the COVID pandemic," said ARTBA President and CEO David Bauer.

OSHA announced June 10 a new Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) aimed at protecting workers from COVID-19 that applies only to the health care industry. For other sectors such as road and bridge construction, the agency updated existing guidance, enabling those sectors to continue best practices designed specifically for transportation workers.

Transportation construction workers primarily work outdoors in all kinds of weather. The new rules allow for relaxed requirements related to face coverings and other health protocols for workers who are fully vaccinated.

OSHA's decision not to create a nationwide ETS applying to all industries acknowledges the drawbacks of a "one size fits all" approach to new COVID regulations. In a series of meetings and letters since December, ARTBA has urged incoming Biden Administration officials to "consider the specific attributes and existing safety protocols of particular industries, with the objective of not undermining those protections to the detriment of their workers."

For more information, visit www.artba.org.




Today's top stories

Construction Market Boosts Economy

Bobcat Company Donates $885,000 in Equipment to Support Salvation Army's Disaster Relief Efforts

VIDEO: KEMROC Expands; Plans to Increase Nationwide Presence

'Machinery Pete' Interviews Jack Lyon On RFD TV

Huntsville, Ala.'s Sandra Moon Community Complex to Begin Final, $31.3M Phase of Work

Unique Skid Steer Tire Increases Snow Clearing Performance, Safety

New Deutz Power Center Mid-Atlantic Opens in Ashland, Va.

2025 CGA Conference & Expo Opens Registration On Nov. 6


 







39.95234 \\ -75.16379 \\ Fort Washington \\ PA