Infrastructure Investment and Worker Safety go Hand-in-Hand
Construction industry organizations responded positively to the $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan released by the White House in February, according to a report by ForConstructionPros.com.
The Associated General Contractors, the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the Transportation Construction Coalition, made up of 31 associations and trade unions, all urged Congress to act quickly on approving the plan.
Meanwhile, President Trump’s 2019 budget, also recently released, represents a strong commitment to worker safety. “From addressing the skills gap through apprenticeships to prioritizing workplace safety, this budget reflects a strong commitment to the American workforce. It also includes important reforms to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used to maximum effect,” said Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta in a U.S. Department of Labor press release.
OSHA’s FY 2019 budget request provides an increase of $6.1 million for 42 new Compliance Safety and Health Officers to continue the agency’s strong commitment to enforcement; and another $5.1 million for 24 Compliance Assistance Specialists and eight Voluntary Protection Programs staff to allow the agency to expand its training, outreach, compliance assistance, and cooperative programs.