Texas House Bill HB863

Texas 2017 - 85th Regular

Caption

Relating to safety training for employees performing construction work under a contract with a governmental entity; providing administrative penalties.

Impact

The legislation directly affects how construction contracts with governmental entities are managed and executed. Governmental entities, which include state and local governments, are required to include stipulations in their contracts verifying that contractors provide proof of safety training completion. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in administrative penalties imposed on the contractors, emphasizing the emphasis on public safety and accountability in construction practices.

Summary

House Bill 863 aims to enhance safety training requirements for employees engaged in construction work under contracts with governmental entities. The bill mandates that contractors ensure all employees on a construction site complete a federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) approved safety training of at least 10 hours. This measure is intended to ensure that workers have the necessary knowledge and skills to operate safely and effectively in construction environments.

Contention

Notably, there could be points of contention regarding the administrative penalties prescribed by the bill. Contractors may express concerns over the financial implications of daily penalties for non-compliance, which are set at $100 per employee. This could lead to disputes about compliance timelines, the fairness of penalties, and the administrative burden on both contractors and governmental entities. Additionally, some stakeholders may voice concerns about the adequacy and accessibility of safety training programs necessary to fulfill the bill’s requirements.