Six Appointed to Advisory Committee on Construction Safety, Health

Words: Dan KamysSix Appointed to Advisory Committee on Construction Safety, Health
Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis has appointed four new members and re-appointed two current members to the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health. They will serve two-year terms and represent the interests of the public, employers, employees and government.

The 15-member committee meets at least twice a year. The newly appointed and re-appointed members will join nine other current members serving the remainder of their terms on the committee.

“The new ACCSH members have a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience on a breadth of safety and health issues spanning the construction industry,” says Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “We want good, safe jobs for American workers, and I am confident that these new members – representing the views of labor, management, government and the public – will use their expertise to provide valuable advice and recommendations toward our shared goal.”

Two members represent the public:
 
  • Jeremy Bethancourt, co-owner and program director, Arizona Construction Training Alliance, Scottsdale, Ariz. (new)
 
  • Letitia K. Davis, director, Occupational Health Surveillance Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston (current)
Five members represent employees:
 
  • Roger Erickson, mobilization, optimization, stabilization and training administrator, International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers, AFL-CIO, Kansas City, Kan. (new)
 
  • Walter A. Jones, occupational safety and health associate director, Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America, Washington, D.C. (re-appointed)
 
  • Gary L. Batykefer, administrative director, Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust, Pittsburgh, Pa. (current)
 
  • Laurie A. Shadrick, training specialist, United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, Arlington, Va. (current)
 
  • Erich J. (Pete) Stafford, director, safety and health, Building and Construction Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, Silver Spring, Md. (current)
Five members represent employers:
 
  • Kristi K. Barber, president, Glen C. Barber and Associates Inc., Rapid City, S.D. (new)
 
  • Donald L. Pratt, president and CEO, Construction Education & Consulting Services of Michigan, Auburn, Mich. (new)
 
  • Kevin R. Cannon, safety and health services director, Associated General Contractors of America, Arlington, Va. (current)
 
  • Thomas Marrero, safety manager, Zenith Systems LLC, Seven Hills, Ohio (current)
 
  • William E. Hering, environmental health and safety corporate manager, SM Electric Co. Inc., Rahway, N.J. (current)
 
Two members represent state governments:
 
  • Steven D. Hawkins, assistant administrator, Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Nashville, Tenn. (re-appointed)
 
  • Charles Stribling, occupational safety and health federal-state coordinator, Kentucky Labor Cabinet, Department of Workplace Standards, Frankfort, Ky. (current)
 
One member was appointed by the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
 
  • Matt Gillen, construction program coordinator and senior scientist, Centers for Disease Control –National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Washington, D.C. (current)
Holding History Together: The Art of Lateral Restraint in Masonry Restoration
January 2026

The first thing you notice about an old masonry building isn’t always its beauty. Sometimes it’s the bow in a wall or the way time and the elements have tugged at the mortar joints. Every century-old structure carries its story in cracks, tilts, bows, and

Tiffany Tillema
Technical Talks
Read More
Stone Savvy: Helping Clients Choose Stone with Intent
January 2026

In today’s design environment, clients are surrounded by inspiration, endless images, samples, and styles that make choosing materials feel exciting and overwhelming all at once. Within that sea of options, stone carries weight. It defines first impressio

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Read More
MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Episode 36 Recap: Kim Spahn, CEO of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff
January 2026

On this episode of the MASONRY STRONG Podcast, Justin got to sit down for a conversation with Kim Spahn to talk about the Concrete Masonry Checkoff, how Kim first got involved in this industry, and much more.

Justin Stengel
The MASONRY STRONG Podcast
Read More
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Matt Dibara
Business Management
Read More