SMCA closely monitors events and issues affecting our members' businesses. Check here regularly for updates on technical, safety, and legislative happenings!
The Biden administration has declared the monkeypox outbreak to be a public health emergency in the U.S. today. A public health emergency declaration lasts for 90 days, but can be extended. Please be aware of any of the symptoms listed below: - Flu-like symptoms that include a fever, headache,... Continue Reading
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Line. The line provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. This new... Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
