Work Safety Agency Weighs Compliance Relief for Tunnel Project

OSHA is poised to give a tunnel contractor relief from a compressed air safety rule for a sewer project, a sign the agency is leaning into collaborating with employers rather than a penalty-driven approach.

Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture is seeking a permanent variance tied to construction of the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel in New Hampshire, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Thursday. A variance allows employers to deviate from the requirements of an OSHA standard under specified conditions.

The company wants permission to use updated French decompression protocols and specialized hyperbaric procedures instead of OSHA standards written for older ...