OSHA Moves to Scale Back Regulations

What’s happening: As part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to eliminate burdensome regulations, OSHA July 1 proposed revising or removing several existing safety standards affecting the transportation construction industry. ARTBA and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) Oct. 31 expressed overall support while recommending refinement to ensure clarity for its members:

• General Duty Clause – This policy allows OSHA to cite employers for unsafe conditions even when no specific safety standard applies. The industry urges OSHA to extend proposed limits on this clause to roadway construction sites where workers can be exposed to hazards, such as reckless drivers, that are outside an employer’s control.
• Construction Illumination Standard – This rule sets minimum lighting levels for construction sites. The industry recommends keeping the standard to ensure adequate visibility and safety during nighttime operations.
• Medical Evaluations for Certain Respirators – OSHA proposed eliminating medical evaluation requirements for employees using filtering facepieces or loose-fitting respirators. The industry supports greater flexibility but urges OSHA to retain the guidance as a non-mandatory best practice.

Why it matters: While safety remains the top priority, clear and practical rules are essential for effective compliance and consistent enforcement across construction sites.

What’s next: No timeline was given, but OSHA will review the comments and either modify the proposals or proceed as-is. For more information, contact Bradley Sant or Prianka Sharma.