Legislation Reintroduced to Protect Federal Workers’ Health and Safety

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are considering legislation designed to protect the health and safety of federal workers as they continue to serve the American people throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Spearheading the effort, U.S. Representative Gerald Connolly (VA-11) introduced H.R. 978, the Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act of 2021, which would require federal agencies to develop and disclose safety plans that contain certain information for federal employees and contractors during the public health emergency related to COVID-19. Companion legislation has also been introduced on the Senate side by Senator Mark Warner (D-VA).

Connolly, chairman of the House Government Operations subcommittee, first introduced the bill in the 116th Congress following the death of Chai Suthammanont, a constituent of Connolly’s and a kitchen staff worker at a childcare facility on Marine Corps Base Quantico who ultimately passed away due to coronavirus-related complications on May 26, 2020.

“Unfortunately, Chai is not the only dedicated civil servant we have lost due to COVID-19. Various federal departments and agencies have reported deaths among their staff, many of whom, like Chai, had continued to execute their agency’s mission bravely in the face of the pandemic,” said Connolly upon the reintroduction of the bill in the 117th Congress. “In conjunction with the Biden Administration’s efforts to advocate for safe workspaces for federal employees, we have an opportunity to ensure that these employees have the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their agencies’ safety plans for federal worksites. Our Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act will ensure federal employees are informed and better protected if they have to return to their agencies.”

Of note, the legislation would require federal agencies to establish a safety plan to include a description on an agency’s efforts to mitigate COVID-19, such as any personal protective equipment (PPE) that will be provided and a description of any procedures established for the testing of employees or contractors. The plan must also include information on contact tracing efforts and the administration of COVID-19 vaccines to employees.

Additionally, federal agencies will be required to:

• Distribute guidance to employees and contractors on any cleaning protocols, occupancy limits and the use of face coverings while in a federally covered worksite.
• Provide guidance for employees who act in an official capacity while not at a covered worksite.
• Inform employees of any requirements that members of the public are required to meet to visit facilities.
• Provide alternative work options for employees who are considered high-risk of contracting COVID-19 or live in a household with an individual who is considered high-risk, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

As part of its advocacy and policy efforts, IWBI continues to support sound federal policy solutions that promote the health and well-being of individuals in buildings, organizations and communities across the country. IWBI has long supported policies that would help federal buildings demonstrate leadership on health and safety. H.R. 978 is an important step in the right direction.

While H.R. 978 passed the House of Representatives in the 116th Congress, the bill is still moving through the legislative process in the 117th Congress.