Maryland Seeks to Raise Safety Standards in Construction

Construction work is well-known as being a dangerous, potentially fatal occupation. In 2016, the state of Maryland is seeking to improve construction safety in an effort to benefit workers, managers, construction companies and building owners.

Reforming Maryland’s Construction Industry

A number of safety-related bills are under consideration during Maryland’s 2016 legislative session. One of the more important is HB 977, introduced by Cheryl D. Glenn (D-Baltimore). This bill “would make serious reforms to Maryland’s construction industry,” noted reporters Emily A. Gardner and Michael Belcher, writing in the Washington Post.

Maryland’s process for screening potential companies for public works construction contracts currently requires assessment of past performance, bonding and legal proceedings, according to Gardner and Belcher. Safety records or existing worksite safety plans are not considered when evaluating a company for public construction contracts.

The Proposition for Safety

The reforms proposed by HB 977 would change the current procedures to include consideration of  a company’s safety status. For example, each company bidding on a public project would be required to have sufficient health and safety plans to ensure employee safety on the job.

In addition, each company submitting bids would have to include a sworn statement of commitment to safety on each project, reported Gardner and Belcher. The contractor’s safety plan would also have to be included with the bid. After evaluation of the plan the state would then make suggestions for additional health and safety measures to be implemented on the construction site.

This proposed legislation comes as a way to improve safety standards in construction in Maryland and elsewhere. In 2014, there were 16 construction-related fatalities in the state of Maryland, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS further reports that there were about 4,000 construction-related injuries in 2014, with some 2,400 of those injuries requiring time off, changes in duties during recovery, or transfers to entirely new positions.

Construction Monitor helps builders, owners and other professionals stay up-to-date on the most recent developments throughout the industry. Contact us today for more information on safety standards in construction and how evolving standards will affect your company and your employees.