Masonry Magazine November 2007 Page. 11
Finally, OSHA's regulatory actions are subject to the rulemaking requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Administrative Procedures Act. Certainly, the interim final regulation specified by this bill would not have been produced under such procedures, and the accelerated time frame for the final regulation would make satisfying these requirements extremely difficult.
The landscape in Washington had already dramatically changed, but that change is about to become even greater. We are likely to see many more pieces of legislation dealing with OSHA and its practices. In addition, more focus will be placed on employers and the practices used to protect workers. In an April 2007 letter to members of the House, Education and Labor Committee Chairman Miller (D-CA) said, "An important part of federal action to protect workers is new and stronger legislation."
Until the recent flurry in Washington, workers had turned to the legal system to solve disputes with employers. Since there is a new sheriff in town, that is all about to change. Democrats in Congress will be sure they take any action necessary to do what they deem best for America's workers, no matter the cost to employers. Mason contractors want nothing more than to protect their workers from safety hazards. While the legislation put forth by lawmakers is unquestionably well intentioned, we can't sacrifice the value of sound science and appropriate stakeholder input.
It is important that mason contractors and employers across the country keep their eyes out for new legislation and, subsequently, various new regulations to be issued in the next 18 months.
Jessica Johnson Bennett is director of Government Affairs for MCAA She brings to the Association an extensive background in public affairs and government relations. Her expertise in strategic planning, PAC management and operations help leverage the position of the MCAA on key policy issues that are important to the masonry industry.
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November 2007
Masonry