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The Safer Federal Workforce Task Force recently issued updated guidance on when covered contractor employees must be vaccinated, as well as new FAQS on vaccination and safety protocols and workplaces.

In light of changing guidance regarding vaccine policies, ABC has updated resources on the COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit as part of the Coronavirus Update webpage to help inform and educate members about the latest available resources and information on the COVID-19 vaccine.

On Aug. 2, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Alliance program issued an updated guide containing COVID-19 guidance and resources for employers from a variety of agencies including the DOL, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the guide includes input from industry groups on best practices for COVID-19 safety in the workplace.

Beginning Aug. 4, the U.S. Small Business Administration is launching a portal that will allow borrowers of certain Paycheck Protection Program loans to streamline the process of loan forgiveness by applying for forgiveness directly through the SBA.

On July 12, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Alliance program released an updated guide containing COVID-19 guidance and resources for employers from a variety of agencies including the DOL, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the guide includes input from industry groups on best practices for COVID-19 safety in the workplace.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division launched its Essential Workers – Essential Protections initiative to provide resources and offer information on common issues that employers and employees face during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration recently posted new Frequently Asked Questions on recording illnesses caused by required and recommended COVID-19 vaccinations.

ABC has launched a COVID-19 Vaccine Toolkit as part of the Coronavirus Update webpage to help inform and educate members about the latest available resources and information on the COVID-19 vaccine.

In accordance with Executive Order 13999, on March 12, the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA issued its National Emphasis Program—Coronavirus Disease 2019, which focuses OSHA enforcement efforts on companies that put the largest number of workers at serious risk of contracting COVID-19. In addition, the program prioritizes employers that retaliate against workers for complaints about u

On March 10, House Democrats approved the $1.9 trillion spending package under budget reconciliation in a 220-211 vote, handing President Biden his first major legislative win in the new administration.

On March 2, ABC, as a member of the Construction Industry Safety Coalition’s steering committee, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary James “Jim” Frederick that outlined recommendations that OSHA should consider as it deliberates the need for an emergency temporary standard on COVID-19

On March 2, ABC joined dozens of members of the Unlock American Investment Coalition in calling on Congress to improve and modernize the federal permitting process under the National Environmental Policy Act.

On Feb. 25, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration issued updated guidance for the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, expanding eligibility for workers who may be able to participate.

On Jan. 29, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued “Protecting Workers:  Guidance on Mitigating and Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Workplace,” which provides updated guidance and recommendations for employers and outlines existing safety and health standards. OSHA states, &ldquo

On Feb. 16, ABC submitted comments to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and U.S. Small Business Administration on an interim final rule reopening the Paycheck Protection Pro

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention has implemented provisions of President Biden's Executive Order on Promoting COVID-19 Safety in Domestic and International Travel and will require the wearing of masks by all travelers into, within or out of the United States, e.g., on airplanes, ships, ferries, trains, subways, buses, taxis and ride-shares.

On Feb. 1, ABC joined 41 trade associations in urging Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Chair Charlotte A. Burrows to quickly issue guidance clarifying the extent to which employers may offer employees incentives to vaccinate without running afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws enforced by the EEOC.

Following the approval of an additional $284 billion in funds for the Paycheck Protection Program in December, the U.S. Small Business Administration, in consultation with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, has reopened the PPP for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers.

To show we are staying safe on jobsites and reducing the spread of the coronavirus, ABC, the National Association of Home Builders and other construction organizations are hosting a COVID-19 Safety Stand Down from Jan. 11-15, with ABC members targeting Thursday, Jan. 14 for member activities.

ABC has been working with Congress, administration officials and business coalitions to support critical priorities in any relief deals that will ensure the construction industry is able to survive, thrive and recover from this pandemic.

On Nov. 4, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a new guidance document on ventilation in the workplace. OSHA recommends, “Employers should work with a heating, ventilation and air conditioning professional to consider steps to optimize building ventilation. An HVAC professional can ensure that the ventilation system is operating as intended.”

On Oct. 29, the Construction Industry Safety Coalition released an updated COVID-19 Prevention, Preparedness and Response Plan for Construction. The plan outlines the steps that construction employers and employees can take to reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19. The new revision to the plan relates to the section on “Employee Has Close Contact With a Tested Positive COVID-19 Individual” and new guidance from the CDC on “close contact.&rd