Oklahoma House Bill HB2096

Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Public buildings and public works; creating the Safety Training for Employees Performing Construction Work with Governmental Entities; effective date.

Impact

The bill has significant implications for state laws regarding construction practices and the responsibilities of contractors when engaging in work funded by governmental entities. By requiring safety training for all construction workers, the bill seeks to reduce workplace accidents and improve overall safety standards. This aligns with federal safety protocols and would potentially elevate the safety measures utilized in state-funded projects. It also empowers governmental entities to enforce these standards and impose penalties for non-compliance, fostering a more accountable construction industry.

Summary

House Bill 2096 aims to enhance safety standards for employees performing construction work with governmental entities in Oklahoma. It establishes requirements for construction safety training and mandates that all employees working on related projects must complete an approved training program. The bill outlines that construction contracts with governmental entities should include provisions that ensure compliance with these safety training requirements, thus prioritizing the safety and well-being of workers in construction sites.

Contention

While the bill aims to improve safety, it may also encounter challenges regarding the implementation of the training requirements and the potential financial burden on contractors. Some stakeholders may express concerns over the feasibility of completing the mandated safety training for all employees within existing project timelines and budgets. The imposition of administrative penalties for non-compliance, which could amount to $100 per day for each non-compliant employee, could also create contentious discussions among contractors about the fairness and practicality of these penalties in the industry's operating environment.