Construction Materials

US Department of Labor, Newark roofing contractor reach settlement agreement affirming $155K penalty for multiple violations NEWARK, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor and a Newark roofing contractor have reached a settlement agreement resolving litigation stemming from investigations last summer that found the employer repeatedly exposed workers to fall and safety hazards at two worksites. The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration initially investigated RRC Home Improvement Inc. in June 2024 at a worksite in Dover, New Jersey after receiving reports of employees working on a roof without fall protection. In July 2024, investigations began at RRC worksites in Lodi as part of the agency’s National Emphasis Program for Falls in Construction. Inspectors again observed employees working without required fall protection. OSHA also uncovered violations involving lack of hard hats, eye protection, and fire extinguishers, as well as non-compliant pu...

US Labor Department cites Georgia counter manufacturer for exposing workers to hazardous levels of crystalline silica ATLANTA – U.S. Department of Labor safety inspectors determined that Brazilian Stone Design LLC, a Powder Springs stone countertop manufacturer, exposed workers to respirable crystalline silica.The department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited the employer, which fabricates and sells kitchen and bathroom countertops, with seven serious citations. The employer will pay $33,000 in penalties.The employer was cited for allegedly exposing workers to high airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica and failing to require the use of respirators; perform fit testing and training for workers wearing respirators; conduct air monitoring; and administer an effective hearing conservation program.To help protect workers, OSHA has issued two respirable crystalline silica standards, one for construction and the other for general indus...

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer announces $5M in WANTO grants to expand apprenticeship opportunities, good-paying jobs for women WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer today announced a $5 million funding opportunity for up to 14 grants to attract and retain more American workers in Registered Apprenticeship programs and high-growth industries like manufacturing, construction, and cybersecurity. Administered jointly by the department’s Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration, the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grant program supports community-based organizations in their efforts to recruit, train, and retain more women in Registered Apprenticeships and high demand occupations. This announcement follows a thorough evaluation and realignment of the program, which will ensure WANTO grants help the department achieve President Trump’s goal of reaching one million new active apprentices. “Under Pre...

ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer promotes One Big Beautiful Bill during ‘America at Work’ tour stops in Michigan, Indiana GOSHEN, IN – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer continued her swing across the country as part of her “America at Work” listening tour to promote President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill, which passed the U.S. Senate today in a huge win for the American people. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited Shafer, a ready-mix concrete supplier in Lansing, Michigan, and Brinkley RV, a manufacturing start-up in Goshen, Indiana, to hear directly from American workers who stand to benefit most from this legislation. “I continue to be inspired by the American entrepreneurial spirit shown by the hardworking men and women I’ve met on my listening tour,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “From the concrete crews at Shafer in Michigan to the RV manufacturers at Brinkley in Indiana, these workers are exactly who this Administration is fighting for as we work to pass the One...

US Department of Labor awards nearly $84M in grants to expand Registered Apprenticeships WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of nearly $84 million in grants to 50 states and territories to increase the capacity of Registered Apprenticeship programs, representing an important step toward meeting the Administration’s goal of expanding the program to 1 million active apprentices.Since the beginning of the Trump Administration, over 134,000 new apprentices have registered across the nation. Today’s awards represent the base formula funding and competitive funding to states to increase their ability to serve, improve, and expand Registered Apprenticeship programs. This represents the third round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding the department has awarded. This investment will further accelerate Registered Apprenticeship programs, incentivize the creation and ongoing success of programs, reduce barriers to entry for new employer...

US Department of Labor awards more than $37M in continued grants to help homeless, at-risk veterans reenter workforce WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of more than $37 million in grants to organizations that help veterans experiencing or at-risk of homelessness find meaningful employment and assist them in overcoming barriers to transition back successfully into the workforce.Administered by the department’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, the Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program awarded more than $37 million to 98 organizations now in their second or third years in the program. These organizations provide participating veterans with occupational skills, connect them with Registered Apprenticeships or other on-the-job training, and deliver job search and placement services.VETS awards HVRP grants competitively to nonprofit and for-profit organizations, Native American Tribal governments, state and local workforce dev...

Secretary Chavez-DeRemer marks 100 days championing American workers WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer today celebrated 100 days since she was sworn in as the 30th Labor Secretary, marking a key milestone in her efforts to advance President Trump’s America First agenda by quickly delivering on her mission to empower U.S. workers and employers.Since taking office, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer has hit the ground running to support the President’s bold, pro-growth policies that have spurred job creation, cut red tape, and ushered in a new Golden Age of economic opportunity for the American workforce.“From day one, I promised to put American workers first and deliver on President Trump’s commitment to revitalize our workforce,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “Since then, we’ve jumpstarted a new Golden Age for American workers by creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, cutting burdensome regulations, saving taxpayer dollars, and investing in the skills and training that ...