Alabama Construction News

JAN-MAR 2017

Alabama Construction News is the states only bimonthly magazine dedicated to the commercial construction industry.

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34 AL CONSTRUCTION NEWS JAN-MAR 2017 the Respirable Crystalline Silica final rule and the Improve Tracking of Work- place Injuries and Illnesses final Rule. The association would like to see the compliance deadline for both extended and have the rulemaking reopened. "After carefully analyzing the magnitude of regulations over the last eight years and changes to the way construction safety is administered on the job site, it's rather alarming," said Reed. "Every year, countless ABC members are awarded for their efforts toward ensuring every worker goes home safely every day to be with his or her family. But the far- reaching policies that OSHA has imple- mented over the last eight years have significantly impacted companies' bot- tom line, while at the same time some would argue are adding little or no value to corporate safety programs." handicapped, not only large companies but also small companies. "The business community sees in President Trump a friend of business, particularly small busi- nesses—someone who is going to help us get the federal government working for us again instead of against us," said Tim High- tower, owner and president of Southern Carpet, Hardwood & Tile. That's the hope of so many of us in the construction indus- try, because the federal government was working against business for many years." The association would like to see the new administration make many changes in the DOL, one such change being immediately suspending the Persuader final rule, which was enjoined by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas. It is the association's belief that the DOL should withdraw their appeal and accept the sum- mary judgment decision. In addition, ABC believes President Trump should reform wage determinations under the Davis- Bacon Act so they will more accurately reflect prevailing wages and require clear notice to contractors of any applicable work assignment rules. "These issues are part of our focus simply because we believe employers should regain control of the way they manage their companies; that's vital," added Reed. "The red tape and bureaucracy the DOL's previous lead- ership passed had a direct negative impact on our industry. As with other issues, we feel that business-minded people in this branch of government will re-evaluate things have a more business-friendly interpretation. Again, our members run their companies with their employees in mind. But unfortunately the previous administration's interpretation did not present an atmosphere for employers to do any of it with complete success." o c c u pat i o n a l s a f e t y a n d h e a lt h a d m i n i s t r at i o n Perhaps one of the biggest concerns heard from the ABC membership since the election is regarding the Occupa- tional Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Many policies put into place by the previous administration are set to negatively impact the industry, such as "The business community sees in President Trump a friend of business, particularly small businesses— someone who is going to help us get the federal government working for us again instead of against us." Tim Hightower, owner and president, Southern Carpet, Hardwood & Tile

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