The Department of Labor (DOL) is expected to publish today a notice in the Federal register delaying the effective date of the Steel Erection Standard to Jan. 18, 2002. This notice comes a day before the standards of the original effective date and indicates that the standard is under considerable review by DOL. This is the second time the standard’s effective date has been changed.

"AGC [Associated General Contractors of America] is consistently striving to improve worker safety," said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC chief executive officer. "Unfortunately, we have been very concerned about how the immediate implementation of the rule might impact the construction industry. The change in the effective date will allow contractors more time to learn how to comply with the standard, provide training to their workers, and address certain provisions that would increase costs."

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) originally issued the standard on Jan. 18. 2001. The rule was developed in conjunction with the industry and union groups that made up the Steel Erection Negotiated Rulemaking Advisory Committee of which AGC was a member. The standard was created to enhance worker protections on hazards, such as hoisting, landing and placing decking, column stability, and falls to lower levels among others.

AGC says that it remains concerned about unintended consequences to the construction industry. "If all stake holders in the negotiated rulemaking process have the interest of the industry at heart and work fairly together, then good results may occur," Sandherr concluded.

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