Requires mandatory compliance with existing safe handling and personal protective measures by workers who come into contact with pressure-treated wood marine piling

1 Co-sponsor

• Carl L. Marcellino

BILL NUMBER:S2642

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the safe handling by workers of pressure-treated wood

Purpose

This legislation requires mandatory compliance with existing safe handling and personal protective measures by workers who come into contact with pressure treated wood marine piling.

Summary of provisions

Article 27 of the environmental conservation law is amended by adding a new title 29 to require mandatory compliance with existing safe handling and personal protective measures by workers who come into contact with pressure treated wood marine piling. Enforcement of this section will require a written warning for a first violation and any subsequent violations will be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,500 for each such violation and an additional penalty of not more than $500 for each day during which the violation occurs.

Justification

It is important for dock builders or other workers who handle treated marine piling to follow proper industrial hygiene practices, such as simple measures to avoid or reduce dermal contact. Because many dock builders and other workers who handle treated marine piling do not routinely follow such safe handling measures, this bill makes their utilization mandatory and protects their health and well-being.

Legislative history

S.4375 of 2007-2008 S.1110 of 2009-2010

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.