On May 9, 2023, President Joe Biden signed an听executive order, Moving Beyond COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Workers, that revoked executive orders 14042 and 14043 effective 12:01 a.m. ET on May 12, 2023.

On May 1, 2023, President Joe Biden鈥檚 administration announced its intent to end certain COVID-19 vaccination requirements, including the mandate on federal contractors. According to the announcement, President Biden will soon issue an executive order rescinding vaccine requirements and COVID-19 safety protocols for federal contractors, effective at 12:01 a.m. on May 12.

Intentional, purposeful two-way communication is vital to a successful workday. Daily communication builds resilient relationships and enables a group to accomplish mission-driven tasks with a high degree of safety, quality and effectiveness. Daily toolbox talks and consistent start-up inspections create the environment where both communication and safety coexist successfully.听The 老牛影视STEP Safety Management System is designed to help you accomplish this to strengthen your safety culture.听

On May 1, the U.S. Department of Labor鈥檚 Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced a National Emphasis Program to prevent falls听for people working at heights in all industries.

On May 1, the U.S. Department of Labor launched its 鈥淢ental Health at Work鈥� initiative in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, which includes a new webpage. The initiative will increase awareness of mental health and well-being within workplaces and promote best practices and compliance by employers.

For over 30 years, 老牛影视has helped contractors protect the physical safety of their employees on the jobsite through the STEP Safety Management System. Now the association is expanding on STEP with the introduction of the Total Human Health Initiative, or THHI. THHI 鈥渆ncompasses actions, initiatives听and policies that emphasize the health, well-being听and livelihoods of workers 鈥� [it incorporates] a whole-person approach to engage a person鈥檚 body, mind, heart听and soul.鈥�

This year marks three decades of the Accredited Quality Contractors program, and 10 老牛影视members have participated in the program for all 30 years of its existence.

Some would say safety is common sense, others know it鈥檚 about relationships and intentional planning, equipping and supporting. When safety isn鈥檛 integrated with full communication from the beginning, the workforce could be put at higher risk if time, logistics and budgets are stretched too thin. Incorporate pre-planning for safety in every aspect of the job to ensure your team returns home safely at the end of every shift.

On April 27, the U.S. Department of Labor鈥檚 Occupational Safety and Health Administration will hold a virtual meeting of its National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health Heat Work Group from 2 to 4 p.m. ET. The public can register to attend the meeting. OSHA is not accepting comments or requests to speak. Participants from the public will be in listen-only mode.

Safety training, education and professional development are all critical to a top-performing company. These investments can powerfully shape culture, reinforce expectations, provide valuable feedback and equip the workforce to meet or exceed expectations.听When people are engaged and equipped in a way that is meaningful to them, they will choose to work safely because they want to. And they will continue to do so if they are supported with proper planning and resources. This creates a strong and effective health and safety culture.