NRCA submits comments regarding OSHA’s proposed regulation addressing lead exposure
On Oct. 28, NRCA submitted comments in response to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making—Blood Lead Level for Medical Removal published June 28. OSHA is considering proposing revisions to its standards for occupational exposure to lead based on medical findings that have emerged since the issuance of OSHA’s lead standards. The findings show adverse health effects in adults can occur at blood lead levels lower than the medical removal level (≥ 60 micrograms per deciliter in general industry, ≥ 50 μg/dL in construction) and lower than the level required for an employee to return to their former job status (< 40 μg/dL). The agency seeks input regarding reducing the current blood lead level triggers in the medical surveillance and medical removal protection provisions of the general industry and construction standards for lead.
NRCA’s comments focus on the potential effects on the roofing industry of reducing the blood lead level triggers as it relates to the potential rulemaking. The comments note that most work performed by NRCA members has little or no exposure to lead, and exposure to such materials containing lead are intermittent and typically do not rise to current compliance levels. NRCA urges OSHA to ensure any modifications to the construction standard do not impose undue paperwork and compliance burdens on contractors, especially small businesses.
Do your civic duty—vote!
It is imperative you make your voice heard for the roofing industry this election. Do your research and plan to vote Tuesday, Nov. 8. To find your polling place, you can visit www.usa.gov/election-office, and in many states, you can vote early and by mail. Grab your friends and family and make a morning of it—be sure to drink your coffee first!
NRCA requests 60-day extension for comments regarding labor provisions in Inflation Reduction Act
NRCA recently joined with associations representing the interests of tens of thousands of companies and millions of skilled employees in the U.S. construction industry to request an extension of the public comment period by 60 days to provide feedback regarding labor provisions within the Inflation Reduction Act.
The Treasury Department and IRS have requested comments regarding a wide range of prevailing wage, apprenticeship, domestic content and energy community requirements that must be satisfied by taxpayers/developers seeking the full amount of tax credits for the construction of clean energy projects under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, in certain circumstances. The comment deadline is Friday, Nov. 4, which leaves stakeholders only 30 days to provide meaningful comments.
The agencies’ request for comments includes 22 detailed questions, many of which have multiple parts. Aspects of the Inflation Reduction Act will result in the unprecedented expansion of cumbersome and potentially anti-competitive labor policies onto private construction projects through the federal tax code. The guidance raises complicated questions and scenarios that will result in many negative and unintended consequences if not handled carefully. Therefore, the industry needs more time to assess the questions raised in the Request for Comments and comply with the eventual agency guidance.
Contemporary cocktails. Great cause.
Grab a drink and support a great cause at ROOFPAC’s Contemporary Cocktails Reception Wednesday, Nov. 9, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the popular Hubbard Inn in Chicago during NRCA’s Fall Committee Meetings. Located only three blocks from the Westin River North, this networking event is one you will not want to miss. Have a few laughs with your colleagues while supporting ROOFPAC, the roofing industry’s voice in Washington, D.C. We ask attendees to contribute $150 per person or $200 per couple. Members of NRCA’s Political Insiders Council and Capitol Hill Club can attend complimentary as a benefit of their membership. RSVP here or contact Teri Dorn at tdorn@nrca.net or (202) 510-0920 with any questions.
NRCA webinar: The Election Results Are In. Now What?
Join us Thursday, Nov. 17, at 11 a.m. CST for a post-election update from NRCA’s advocacy team. Duane Musser, Teri Dorn and Deb Mazol will discuss the results of the 2022 midterm congressional elections and the outlook for key legislative and political issues facing the new Congress in January 2023. Additional topics include roofing industry-specific workforce, energy and tax issues; Roofing Day in D.C. 2023; and ROOFPAC, NRCA’s political action committee.
Registration for Roofing Day in D.C. 2023 is open!
Each year, roofing professionals meet with members of Congress on Capitol Hill to discuss the critical issues facing their companies and the roofing industry. And you know what? We’re making a big difference. So far, we have increased funding for career and technical education, advanced legislation that addresses workforce development needs and secured a strong buildings component in bipartisan infrastructure legislation.
But our work is not done yet. We are just getting started. Join us for Roofing Day in D.C. April 18-19, 2023, and help us make it the biggest and best roofing industry advocacy event ever!
Registration is only $95 for company representatives and $35 for field workers, students and spouses. Please visit www.nrca.net/roofingday to view testimonials from last year’s event and learn more. Sign up today!
ROOFPAC is the federally registered political action committee of NRCA, and contributions will be used for political purposes. Contributions to ROOFPAC are not tax deductible and the name, address, occupation and employer's name of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 during a calendar year will be reported to the Federal Election Commission. Contributions are voluntary and you have the right to refuse to contribute without any reprisal.
