New law requires OSHA training for contractors on public projects

Contractors and subcontractors working on public projects have less than three weeks to complete safety training or face hefty fines.

Signed into law in 2008, this provision in Missouri House Bill 1549 goes into effect Aug. 28. The legislation requires completion of a 10-hour Occupational Safety and Health program for all contractors on construction projects for public use or benefit, or paid wholly or in part out of public funds.

Those found not in compliance will have 20 days to produce documentation proving they completed the course or be removed from the project. Those not following the provision face a fine of $2,500 and $100 per worker for each day the employee hasn't completed the training.

W.E. Walker-Lakenan LLC and OSHA-authorized instructors from America First Insurance offered the training courses for contractors and subcontractors July 28, 29 and Aug. 4. The training of 10 one-hour courses drew 265 of W.E. Walker-Lakenan's clients, who came from places ranging from Perryville, Mo., to Arkansas. The course covered an overview of OSHA, fall protection standards, power tool safety, materials handling, fire prevention, health hazards in construction and safety when using stairs and ladders.

Paying a price

Scott Stanfield, a broker with W.E. Walker-Lakenan in Cape Girardeau, said those who fail to undergo such training will pay a significant price.

"The fast-approaching deadline should wake up a lot of people," Stanfield said. "People who have taken care of the training and have submitted their bids will come out OK.

"Fines are also an issue," he said. "With it costing the employer $100 a day for each employee, we're talking about a lot of money that can add up real fast."

T. Robin Cole, president of the Rite Group in Jackson, said the training is essential, especially with the Downtown Revitalization and Economic Development for Missouri, or DREAM, Initiative projects underway in downtown Cape Girardeau. Projects include renovations of the old Schultz School into senior apartments, building a new two-level parking lot and rehabilitation of homes and businesses downtown.

Jarrett Milam, co-owner of Milam Masonry and Contracting in Benton, Mo., said he thinks the bill is a good thing for Missouri companies, despite the cost involved with training employees.

"The training made me and my guys more aware of safety procedures," Milam said. "Some people may gripe about it costing employees to undergo the training but in the end if makes everyone a little safer in their workplace."

For more information on completing OSHA training, call 314-425-4249 or visit www.osha.gov.

bblackwell@semissourian.com

388-3628

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117 S. Broadview St., Cape Girardeau, MO

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