News
SMCA closely monitors events and issues affecting our members' businesses. Check here regularly for updates on technical, safety, and legislative happenings!
US Department of Labor to meet to discuss OSHA initiatives to protect workers from heat hazards
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a meeting with stakeholders on May 3, 2022. The meeting will give insight on OSHA's efforts to protect workers from heat-related hazards as part of the Biden-Harris commitment to workplace safety initiatives.... Continue Reading
Date posted04/29/2022
SMACNA Endorsed Davis-Bacon Reform Rules
The long advocated and endorsed Davis-Bacon Act reform regulations were issued March 18th with SMACNA's extensive input and involvement with the Wage and Hour Division and Department of Labor. SMACNA has boosted lobby efforts on Capitol Hill to thwart any weakening tactics by Davis-Bacon repeal... Continue Reading
Date posted04/22/2022
Philadelphia reinstates indoor mask mandate due to increase of COVID-19 cases
On Monday, April 11, 2022, The Philadelphia Department of Public Health made an announcement that the city of Philadelphia will again enforce the indoor mask mandate due to increased COVID-19 cases. Health Commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole said mask precautions will begin Monday, but in order to... Continue Reading
Date posted04/12/2022
Philadelphia drops mask mandate(All Clear Level)
On Wednesday, March 2, 2022, the Philadelphia Health Department moved the city into the All Clear Covid Response Level. Although the metrics have dropped, some of our job sites(Merck, GSK, Penn, Chop) still require employees to wear masks and present their vaccination cards. We will continue to... Continue Reading
Date posted03/3/2022
Supreme Court Blocks Biden Ruling
Today the Supreme Court rejected President Joe Biden's push to mandate vaccination shots under the OSHA umbrella that would impact 80 million workers. However, SCOTUS did uphold a seperate ruling requiring shots for workers in nursing homes, hospitals and other facilities that receive Medicare and... Continue Reading
Date posted01/13/2022
COVID Emergency Temporary Standard
The release of the long awaited COVID Emergency Temporary Standard from OSHA was presented to the public last week. The 500 page document discusses the parameters of the standard. The link to the document is below. https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-23643.pdf Continue Reading
Date posted11/11/2021
SMCA Safety Short - High Blood Pressure
Discussing the signs, symptoms and risk factors of high blood pressure. Continue Reading
Date posted10/1/2021
Quick Tips: Avoiding Heat Related Illnesses
Summer and hot weather can add another safety concern. Heat related illnesses and injuries can affect you whether in the shop or on the jobsite. Expert from the National Institute for Occupational Safety, OSHA, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists recommend drinking... Continue Reading
Date posted09/1/2021