National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2023

5/24/2024, 1:38 PM

National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2024

This bill expands the authority of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to investigate structural failures other than those involving buildings and to recommend related improvements to engineering standards and practices.

Specifically, the bill expands the investigative authority of NIST's National Construction Safety Teams. Currently, these teams are authorized to investigate the structural failure of a building that has resulted in substantial loss of life or that had the significant potential to cause a substantial loss of life. These teams must (1) identify the likely cause of the failure, (2) evaluate the technical aspects of evacuation and response procedures, and (3) recommend ways to improve building standards, codes, and practices and other related actions based on their findings.

The bill expands this authority beyond buildings to include other types of structures and related engineering standards and practices. 

Bill 118 hr 4143, also known as the National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2023, aims to enhance the capabilities of the National Construction Safety Teams (NCST) within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These teams are responsible for investigating building failures, disasters, and other incidents to improve safety standards in the construction industry.

The bill proposes several key provisions to strengthen the NCST, including increasing funding for research and development activities, expanding the team's authority to investigate incidents beyond just building failures, and improving coordination with other federal agencies and industry stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a National Construction Safety Advisory Board to provide guidance and recommendations to the NCST on best practices and emerging trends in construction safety. This board would be composed of experts from various fields related to construction safety, such as engineering, architecture, and labor organizations. Overall, the National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2023 seeks to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the NCST in investigating construction incidents and promoting safety standards in the industry. By providing additional resources and support, the bill aims to prevent future accidents and improve the overall safety of construction projects in the United States.
Congress
118
Number
HR - 4143
Introduced on
2023-06-15
# Amendments
0
Sponsors
+5
Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/9/2024
Text
PDF
XML

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
Passed in House
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2024

This bill expands the authority of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to investigate structural failures other than those involving buildings and to recommend related improvements to engineering standards and practices.

Specifically, the bill expands the investigative authority of NIST's National Construction Safety Teams. Currently, these teams are authorized to investigate the structural failure of a building that has resulted in substantial loss of life or that had the significant potential to cause a substantial loss of life. These teams must (1) identify the likely cause of the failure, (2) evaluate the technical aspects of evacuation and response procedures, and (3) recommend ways to improve building standards, codes, and practices and other related actions based on their findings.

The bill expands this authority beyond buildings to include other types of structures and related engineering standards and practices. 

Bill 118 hr 4143, also known as the National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2023, aims to enhance the capabilities of the National Construction Safety Teams (NCST) within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). These teams are responsible for investigating building failures, disasters, and other incidents to improve safety standards in the construction industry.

The bill proposes several key provisions to strengthen the NCST, including increasing funding for research and development activities, expanding the team's authority to investigate incidents beyond just building failures, and improving coordination with other federal agencies and industry stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill calls for the establishment of a National Construction Safety Advisory Board to provide guidance and recommendations to the NCST on best practices and emerging trends in construction safety. This board would be composed of experts from various fields related to construction safety, such as engineering, architecture, and labor organizations. Overall, the National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2023 seeks to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the NCST in investigating construction incidents and promoting safety standards in the industry. By providing additional resources and support, the bill aims to prevent future accidents and improve the overall safety of construction projects in the United States.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the National Construction Safety Team Act to enable the National Institute of Standards and Technology to investigate structures other than buildings to inform the development of engineering standards, best practices, and building codes related to such structures, and for other purposes.
Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications
Potential Impact
Building construction•
Congressional oversight•
Government studies and investigations•
Infrastructure development

Comments

Related

Member:  Zoe Lofgren

Recent Activity

Latest Summary5/16/2024

National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2024

This bill expands the authority of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to investigate structural failures other than those involving buildings a...

Latest Action5/9/2024
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.