Bill Text: VA HJR613 | 2019 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Trench Safety Stand Down Week; designating third full week of June 2019, and each succeeding year.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2019-02-21 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ613ER) [HJR613 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2019-HJR613-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, trenching and excavation work are hazardous construction operations performed by many Virginians every day; and
WHEREAS, construction employers and employees who work in trenching and excavation need continuous access to education and training in identifying hazards associated with these activities; and
WHEREAS, trench collapse deaths are easily preventable with proper shielding, shoring, sloping, and training; and
WHEREAS, despite increased training and hazard identification, recent national statistics show an alarming increase in trench injuries and deaths, and in 2016, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration reported that trench injuries and deaths were nearly double the average of the previous five years; and
WHEREAS, the National Utility Contractors Association, a Virginia-based National Construction Trade Association affiliate representing underground utility and excavating contractors, has focused on education and training through trenching and excavating hazard awareness programs that are approved by OSHA and sponsored by the North American Excavation Shoring Association; and
WHEREAS, during Trench Safety Stand Down Week and throughout the year, organizations and individuals in Virginia are encouraged to focus on education and training in trenching and excavating hazard awareness in order to improve the health, safety, and welfare of construction workers and all residents of the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly designate the third full week of June, in 2019 and in each succeeding year, as Trench Safety Stand Down Week in Virginia; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates transmit a copy of this resolution to the National Utility Contractors Association so that members of the organization may be apprised of the sense of the General Assembly of Virginia in this matter; and, be it
RESOLVED FINALLY, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates post the designation of this week on the General Assembly's website.
