US Department of Labor Announces 15 Members of Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health

The U.S. Department of Labor has recently made an important announcement regarding the construction industry’s safety and health standards. The department has appointed 15 individuals to serve as members on the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH). This committee plays a crucial role in providing advice and assistance to the Secretary of Labor and the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health on policy matters related to the Construction Safety Act and the establishment of construction standards. With representatives from various sectors, the committee aims to ensure the well-being of workers and improve safety practices in the construction industry.

Representation and Expertise

The newly appointed members of the ACCSH represent a diverse range of interests and possess extensive experience in construction safety and health matters. They will serve two-year terms and have been selected to represent the interests of the public, employers, employees, and state and federal government. With their collective expertise, the committee is well-equipped to address the pressing challenges faced by the construction industry.

Employee Representatives

The committee includes five dedicated employee representatives who will champion the concerns of workers and their unions. Christina Trahan Cain from North America’s Building Trades Unions, Liliana A. Calderon from the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Ryan Papariello from the Laborers Health and Safety Fund of North America, Kenneth G. Seal from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and Robert Seman from the International Union of Operating Engineers will bring their invaluable knowledge and perspective to the committee’s work.

Employer Representatives

The committee also features five employer representatives who will provide insight into the challenges faced by employers in ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. Kevin Cannon from the Associated General Contractors of America, Matthew Compher from Quanta Services Inc., Michael P. Lawler from Walsh Construction Company, Greg Sizemore from Associated Builders and Contractors, and Mindy Uber from Skanska USA Building Inc. will collaborate to find effective solutions that prioritize worker safety while considering the interests of employers.

Public, State, and Federal Representatives

In addition to employee and employer representatives, the ACCSH comprises two public representatives, Dr. Marissa G. Baker from the University of Washington and Eric D. Fidler from Manitowoc Company Inc. Their unique perspectives and knowledge of public health will contribute to the committee’s mission of safeguarding workers’ well-being.

The committee also includes two state government representatives, Christopher Scott Mabry from the North Carolina Department of Labor and Charles Stribling from the Kentucky Labor Cabinet Department of Workplace Standards. Their understanding of state-level regulations and experiences will aid in developing effective safety measures.

Finally, Dr. G. Scott Earnest from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will serve as the federal representative, bringing invaluable expertise from a federal agency dedicated to research and prevention of occupational hazards.

Leadership

Christina Trahan Cain, representing North America’s Building Trades Unions, has been appointed as the ACCSH chair. Her leadership and experience will guide the committee in addressing critical construction safety and health issues and promoting best practices within the industry.

The appointment of these 15 members to the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health marks a significant step in reinforcing safety and health standards within the construction industry. With representation from employees, employers, the public, and various levels of government, the committee is well-positioned to address the challenges and opportunities in ensuring the well-being of construction workers. Their collective expertise and commitment to enhancing safety practices will play a pivotal role in shaping policies and standards that prioritize the protection of workers in this vital sector of the economy.