OSHA Issues COVID-19 Workplace Emergency Temporary Standard 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued an emergency temporary standard (ETS) to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace. The ETS establishes binding requirements to protect unvaccinated employees of large employers with 100 or more employees from the risk of contracting COVID-19 in the workplace.

Understanding the ETS 

Employers covered by the ETS.
The ETS generally applies to employers in all workplaces that are under OSHA’s authority and jurisdiction, including industries as diverse as manufacturing, retail, delivery services, warehouses, meatpacking, agriculture, construction, logging, maritime and healthcare.

Workplaces not covered by the ETS.
This standard does not apply to workplaces covered under the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors or in settings where employees provide healthcare services or healthcare support services when subject to the requirements of the Healthcare ETS (29 CFR 1910.502). 

Employees of covered employers not subject to the requirements.
The ETS does not apply to employees who do not report to a workplace where other individuals such as coworkers or customers are present, employees while they are working from home, or employees who work exclusively outdoors.

Tony Stergio, of Andrews Myers, PC, breaks it down here.

Visit www.osha.gov/coronavirus for additional information on COVID-19 Laws and regulations, COVID-19 enforcement policies, compliance assistance materials and guidance, and Worker’s Rights.

Sign Up Today for the AGC 2022 Convention

The AGC Annual Convention provides contractors of all sizes the opportunity to gain business-critical insights into the issues most affecting their operations. From risk management to safety on the jobsite to the latest in project management solutions, AGC brings together experts from across the industry to share their knowledge and help prepare contractors to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. 

And no time is better than now to prepare your company for the challenges (and opportunities) facing our industry as we collectively emerge from the pandemic, grapple with economic uncertainty, and navigate the legislative and regulatory policies of the new administration. 

Experience for yourself how the AGC Annual Convention provides contractors of all sizes and markets the opportunity to gain a competitive advantage, to help protect key business interests, make important industry connections, and to prepare for industry disruptions. Click here to register today. 

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

You're not going to want to miss out on AGC Houston's professional development programs! These courses are intended for the following construction professionals: Superintendents, Project Engineers, Project Managers, Accounting Staff, Project Support Staff, Project Executives, Business Development, Technology Support Staff and more! Please click here for more information. 

Leadership AGC:  Building the Next Generation of Construction Leaders

The continuing growth of Houston’s commercial construction industry signals a need for the development of trained, informed and responsible leadership to sustain our organization’s future. Developing young leaders will be a key piece of the future success and growth of the construction industry in Houston. If you have identified high performers in your company and want to take them to the next level, this program is for you.   

Please click here for more information. 

ACE Mentor Houston is the local affiliate of the national ACE organization and is a collaborative effort to bring the multifaceted construction industry, educational institutions and local community together to expose high school students to the world of architecture, construction, engineering and building trades.  In this afterschool mentoring program, student teams work directly with professionals from the A/E/C industry to design hypothetical projects, tour local construction sites, and visit architectural, engineering, and construction offices. The program runs from October to April and is operating with a hybrid program this year with virtual weekly mentor sessions and in-person activities to include site visits, building activities and architectural walking tours.

For students, it is a unique chance to discover and develop new skills, solidify goals, and get on track toward exciting and rewarding careers. In addition, many students form positive relationships with industry professionals who can provide important references for obtaining college admissions, scholarships, internships and full‐time employment.

For professionals, ACE provides an opportunity to give back to the community while developing the next generation in the building industry and networking with other professionals who share the same passions.  If you would like to get involved in ACE as a mentor, student, industry partner or committee member, please contact us (https://www.acementorhouston.org/). If you have the passion, there is a role for you, no matter your time commitment, availability, or skill set.

Upcoming Safety Classes

AGC Houston is proud to partner with the The Region VI OSHA Education Center at The University of Texas at Arlington. The OSHA Education Center at The University of Texas at Arlington is the top-ranked OSHA Training Institute Education Center in the country.

View the full list of OSHA UT-A courses here.

NOVEMBER

29 - December 2: OSHA 501: Trainer Course in OSHA Standards General Industry

29 - December 2: OSHA 920: Process Safety Management (PSM) 

DECEMBER

1 - 2: OSHA 10-Hour  

6 - 8: OSHA 502: Update for Construction Industry Outreach Trainers

6 - 9: OSHA 2045: Machinery and Machine Guarding Standards

6 - 9: OSHA 510: Occup Safety and Health Standards for Construction

8 - 10: OSHA 503: Update for General Industry Outreach Trainers

13 - 16: OSHA 511: Standards for General Industry

Mark Your Calendar!

DECEMBER

9: Safety Happy Hour 

AGC Houston Announces New – and Improved – Health Program

The Associated General Contractors Houston Chapter Plan Offers:

• Wellness (Includes programs such as UnitedHealthcare Motion®, Real Appeal® and Rally®)
• Significant Member Discounts
• Multiple Plan Designs and Options Available
• Discounted Ancillary Programs
• Virtual Visits

AGC Houston is excited to offer its member companies the Associated General Contractors Houston Chapter Plan in partnership with UnitedHealthcare. The new program will provide AGC members with the opportunity to choose from a broad selection of significantly discounted plans to meet their company's respective needs. Customization and flexibility for each member company is one of the benefits of the program.

Companies involved in most aspects of the construction industry are eligible for a proposal. To participate, contact our plan partner, The Stevenson Group, and they will guide you through the enrollment and underwriting process if you are interested in the program.

For More Information, Contact:
Brian Stevenson
Phone: 281-371-6061
Email: brian@thebcsg.com

Millis Development & Construction
931 Pheasant Valley Dr., STE 200
Missouri City, TX 77489
Phone: 281-240-6066
Website: https://millisdevelopment.com/

Midway Machine & Instrument Co., Inc.
701 Oregon St.
South Houston, Texas 77587
Phone: 713-947-1102
Website: https://midway-machine.com/

Aqua Aces, LLC
11731 W Grand Pond Drive
Montgomery, TX 77356-2004
Phone: 713-254-2907
Website: https://aqua-aces.com/

Americanized Benefit Consultants
9575 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024
Phone: 713-960-1006
Website: https://www.americanizedbc.com/