May 2025 Newsletter

Protecting OSHA protects workers

On April 4th Construction Dive published an opinion piece written by Cam Mackey, president and CEO of the International Safety Equipment Association, which indicated that “every American worker deserves to return home safe at the end of the day. And every American family wants to feel confident their loved ones will come home unharmed…This isn’t a partisan issue — worker safety is a shared American value. For decades, we’ve agreed as a nation that safeguarding employees on the job requires sensible regulation, public policy and oversight…That’s why the International Safety Equipment Association was deeply concerned by a recent legislative proposal to eliminate the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. While some dismissed the bill as political posturing, the proposal itself is troubling. Even suggesting OSHA’s dissolution sends a chilling message about how little some value worker protection…Equally troubling are proposed funding cuts to OSHA. Some believe slashing the agency’s budget would boost the economy. The truth is that cutting corners on safety increases costs in the long run…Like any organization, OSHA must be efficient and effective. But draining its resources would only lead to more injuries, more fatalities and ultimately greater financial and human costs for employers and families.

Since OSHA’s establishment in 1970, the agency has helped dramatically improve workplace safety. That year, roughly 14,000 workers died on the job, per the Economic Policy Institute. By 2022, that number dropped to 5,486, even as the American workforce grew, according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics data…Likewise, serious injuries requiring time off plummeted from 10.9 cases per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.7 per 100 workers today, the BLS reported. These gains didn’t happen by accident — they’re the result of deliberate safety rules, oversight and outreach led by OSHA…But there’s still work to be done. In 2023, more than 4,500 preventable work-related deaths occurred, including 1,029 in construction, according to the National Safety Council.  That’s an average of over 12 each day across all industries…More than 4 million workers experienced injuries requiring medical attention. These incidents take an enormous toll, not only on families but on the economy, as well…The National Safety Council estimates that work-related injuries in 2022 cost the U.S. economy $167 billion. The cost per workplace death? $1.39 million. And each injury requires medical consultation — around $40,000…In other words, strong investments in safety aren’t just the right thing to do — they’re fiscally responsible.”

Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, as an OSHA certified Forensic Engineering consultant, and as a Past Chair of the National Society of Professional Engineers PE’s in Construction Interest Group, has helped to facilitate discussions between Professional Engineers across the country on important matters such as safety in both industry and construction. As a licensed Professional Engineer, State Certified Code Enforcement Official, and OSHA certified professional, Mr. Yarmus is credentialed to consult on site safety and incident investigation matters. Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to consult with business owners, operations managers, property managers, real estate developers, builders, attorneys, contractors, insurance professionals, adjusters, and other related parties regarding site safety issues. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such site safety related matters.

Modular Construction Interface Standard Aims to Establish Clear Guidelines

On April 10th Engineering News-Record reported “hoping to promote compatibility and interoperability that could accelerate the adoption of off-site construction in sectors such as multifamily housing, commercial developments and institutional projects, the International Code Council and the Center for Offsite Construction at the New York Institute of Technology are developing a critical standard for modular construction.

The creation of the CFOC/ICC 1220 Standard on Configurations and Connections for Off-Site Construction aims to enhance quality, sustainability, resilience and affordability in the construction industry. After it is published in May 2026, the standard will be available on the ICC’s digital codes platform.”

Yarmus Engineering, P.C. makes it a priority to remain aware and knowledgeable of ongoing building code and industry standards updates, as well as other similar regulatory changes, so that we can inform our clientele regulations which might affect their properties and projects. Firm President, Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, maintains his certification as a NYS Code Enforcement Official to ensure same. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such site safety related matters.