The Austin City Council took new steps to protect construction workers. Last year seven people died at construction sites --- prompting the council to pass tougher regulations.
According to the Workers Defense Project, Texas is ranked the most dangerous place to work in construction. Last week its members protested outside City Hall. They are pushing for a city ordinance that would require construction companies to give their workers rest breaks and provide them drinking water. The water is already part of federal OSHA regulations but rarely enforced.
“Every 2 ½ days a construction worker dies in this state,” said Greg Casar with Workers Defense Project. “So we think some of these small steps that are really basic and fundamental such as rest breaks and drinking water are prudent steps in changing that.”
In a unanimous vote Thursday, council members took a first step to further protect construction workers.
“Tired people make mistakes. People who are thirsty are going to make mistakes they are going to build better buildings if they are well rested and have plenty of drinking water,” said Council Member Bill Spelman.
The resolution passed by the council directs the city manager to develop the ordinance and bring it back to council July 29th.
