Texas Senate Bill SB475

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

If enacted, SB475 would require governmental entities to incorporate safety training requirements into their construction contracts. Contractors will need to demonstrate compliance by providing certificates of training completion for all employees on-site and for at least one supervisor. Additionally, the bill establishes a clear process for enforcing these requirements, including administrative penalties for contractors who fail to meet the training obligations. The bill's implementation is intended to bolster safety standards across construction projects funded by the state, thereby reducing the likelihood of accidents and promoting a safer working environment.

Summary

SB475 is a proposed legislative measure in Texas aimed at improving safety training for employees engaged in construction work under contracts with governmental entities. The bill mandates that all employees working on these construction sites must complete specific safety training courses approved by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The bill outlines two types of training: a basic construction safety training course of at least 10 hours and an advanced safety training course of at least 30 hours for supervisors. This initiative is designed to enhance workplace safety and ensure that workers are properly trained to mitigate risks associated with construction operations.

Contention

While the intent behind SB475 is largely viewed as positive, focusing on enhancing safety standards, there may be concerns regarding the additional administrative burdens placed on contractors. Opponents could argue that the requirements may lead to increased costs for compliance and could limit the ability of some contractors, particularly smaller firms, to compete for government contracts. Additionally, the effectiveness of such training in real-world applications may be debated, as some may consider that safety measures are better enforced through strict oversight rather than mere training obligations.