OSHA’s in-person checks of construction sites have plunged by 84% during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agency has focused its attention on virus transmission hazards in the health-care industry, according to OSHA data. In the first week of March, OSHA conducted about 395 construction inspections. The number of inspections at construction sites dropped to about 65 during the week of April 26.
Construction work has continued across much of the nation, as the federal government deemed it an essential industry. Some 975,000 construction workers became unemployed in April, but there were still 6.6 million people employed in construction.
If a construction hazard is less than an imminent danger, and unless there is a fatality, the likelihood of an inspection now is low, according to a trade union executive.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 22, 2019
Efficient material design, low-carbon concrete are critical to cutting GHG emissions in construction
Enhancing building utilization and reusing materials also aid carbon reduction.
Codes and Standards | Oct 21, 2019
Historic properties not exempt from Americans With Disabilities Act
Some exceptions do apply.
Codes and Standards | Oct 18, 2019
St. Louis could save $61 million per year in energy costs by improved building performance
GHG gases can be reduced by at least 11% with upgrades to public buildings and large private buildings.
Codes and Standards | Oct 17, 2019
Slow payments cost GCs and subs $64 billion annually
Study finds 51-day average payment turnaround.
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2019
Cool pavement can make people hotter
Reflective coatings channel sunlight raising temperatures where pedestrians walk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2019
Utah adopts 2018 International Energy Conservation Code
Provisions include increased building envelope performance and reduced air infiltration.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2019
States continue to beef up energy efficiency codes
ACEEE 50-state scorecard finds latest IECC code gaining adherents.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2019
DOE releases Better Buildings Healthcare Financing Primer
Outlines financial strategies to implement energy-efficiency projects in healthcare.
Codes and Standards | Oct 8, 2019
Zero Carbon Buildings for All aims for ambitious emission reduction targets
Organization makes commitment to net zero carbon for all buildings by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Oct 7, 2019
Tailgating remains a critical building security threat, say security professionals
Few buildings provide beefed up provisions to counteract threat.
