Texas Senate Bill SB1389

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/9/11
• Refer: 3/22/11

Caption

Relating to safety training for employees of certain contractors with a governmental entity.

Impact

If passed, SB1389 would amend existing government code pertaining to construction contracts, imposing strict obligations on contractors to ensure that their employees are adequately trained before commencing work on any government-related project. The bill necessitates that the contractors obtain and provide certificates confirming training completion from each employee prior to their engagement in general construction tasks under governmental contracts. Additionally, the legislation mandates governmental entities to include provisions in their contracts that outline penalties for contractors who fail to comply with these safety training requirements.

Summary

SB1389 focuses on mandating safety training for employees of contractors engaged in general construction work for governmental entities. The bill requires that all employees working on such projects complete a specific safety training course, which is sanctioned by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and spans a minimum duration of 10 hours. This new requirement aims to enhance safety standards on construction sites and reduce workplace accidents, thereby fostering a safer environment for both workers and the public.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1389 seems to be generally positive among proponents who advocate for improved workplace safety. Supporters argue that the implementation of mandatory safety training not only protects employees but helps prevent costly liabilities associated with workplace injuries and accidents on their job sites. However, there may be some concerns regarding the additional compliance burden placed on contractors, especially smaller firms that might struggle to meet these training obligations without incurring additional costs.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from discussions about the potential financial implications of this bill on contractors, particularly in terms of training expenses and administrative burdens involved in OSHA compliance. While the aim of enhancing safety standards is widely appreciated, critics might express concerns that excessive regulations could deter smaller contractors from bidding on government jobs or increase overall project costs, which could in turn affect governmental budgets and the execution of construction projects.