AGC MA Action on Proposed Boston Safety Ordinance

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh has submitted a proposed Ordinance to the City Council that will “require all permit applicants to swear and affirm their company/individuals work histories and allowing for department Commissioners to deny or revoke a permit based on safety concerns including company and/or individual OSHA violations.” The proposed ordinance is in response to the recent, tragic trench accident in which two construction workers drowned.
 
While sympathetic to, and supportive of the spirit and intent of the measure, AGC and several allied industry employer associations are aggressively raising concerns with ambiguity and inconsistent language as well as the host of unintended consequences. AGC expressed its opposition to the piece, as drafted, as part of an industry panel with ASM and UCANE at a 12/5 City Council Public Hearing. We offered to participate in an industry working group to help tighten the Ordinance and its Affidavit process with more transparent language options.  
 
Immediately after the hearing, AGC met with City Councilor Michael Flaherty to further express our concerns. Also in attendance were ABC, ASM, BTEA, CIM, NECA and UCANE. Building Commissioner Buddy Christopher has since set up several meetings with AGC and the industry to review suggested amendments. The full City Council is expected to take up the measure on 12/14.