Oklahoma House Bill HB1947

Oklahoma 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/1/21
• Refer: 2/2/21

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, HB1947 will have a significant impact on how construction work is conducted for projects involving government entities. By requiring mandatory safety training for all employees before they can commence work on government-funded construction sites, the state aims to create a safer work environment. This legislative measure reflects a commitment to promoting rigorous safety protocols that align with federal occupational safety standards, ultimately aiming to reduce the risk of workplace injuries and fatalities on construction sites.

Summary

House Bill 1947 aims to enhance safety protocols for construction work performed under government contracts in the state of Oklahoma. The bill mandates that contractors who enter into agreements with governmental entities ensure that all their employees on construction sites complete a federally approved safety training course of at least ten hours. This initiative, titled 'Safety Training for Employees Performing Construction Work with Governmental Entities', seeks to minimize accidents and improve overall workplace safety standards in public projects.

Contention

While the bill is primarily focused on enhancing safety measures, it may encounter contention primarily from contractors who might view the additional training requirements as an added burden. Critics may argue that while safety training is essential, the implementation of such mandates could increase costs and delay project timelines, particularly for small contractors who may struggle to comply with the added regulations. The balance between ensuring safety and facilitating efficient public works contracts will be a critical area of focus in discussions surrounding this bill.