The proposal marks the first major overhaul to lead levels in drinking water in more than two decades.

ACCA wants saving plans to cover expenses necessary to obtain or maintain certification or licensure credentials that are separate from preparatory educational and training programs.

Additionally, OSHA is considering revisions to broaden the circumstances under which employers would be permitted to comply with the silica standard for construction.

OSHA cited the company for similar violations in 2017 and 2018, and has placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

Although the construction industry is currently exempt from the proposed DOL rule, MCAA is concerned that the exemption may not be permanent.

Agency says company subjected employees to hostile and segregated working environment as well as retaliation.

The measure would require employers to give workers paid breaks in cool spaces, access to water and training on how to respond to symptoms of heat illness.

The plumbers were using a gasoline-powered saw to cut through concrete when they were overcome by carbon monoxide gas emitted from the equipment, causing one of the workers to lose consciousness. 

The proposal is subject to a 60-day public comment period, after which the department can issue the final rule, which could occur as soon as this fall.