Dear Virginia Safety & Health Codes Board Members:

On behalf of the Virginia Coalition for a Strong Virginia Economy, we fully appreciate the challenges of governing and operating safe workplaces during a global pandemic. Social distancing, enhanced sanitation, remote work, and various administrative and physical workplace controls have become normalized over the last two years. Further, these circumstances were always intended to be temporary, and it is clear that §16VAC25-220 has not been broadly implemented nor is it more protective than CDC guidance and the OSHA “General Duty Clause” as evidenced by the success of other states without a final permanent standard. As such, the Coalition supports the revocation of §16VAC25-220.

We encourage the Board to adopt a simple “Guidance Document” for all employers to utilize in helping to protect their workers, suppliers, and customers.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

COALITION FOR A STRONG VIRGINIA ECONOMY

Associated Builders & Contractors of Virginia, Sterling, VA

Associated General Contractors of Virginia, Glen Allen, VA

Delmarva Chicken Association, Georgetown, DE

Hampton Roads Chamber, Norfolk, VA

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, Harrisonburg, VA

National Federation of Independent Business, Richmond, VA

Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Tysons Corner, VA

Northern Virginia Transportation Business Coalition, McLean, VA

Precast Concrete Association of Virginia, Richmond, VA

Richmond Area Municipal Contractors Association, Richmond, VA

Shellfish Growers of Virginia, Gloucester, VA

Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Alexandria, VA

Virginia Agribusiness Council, Richmond, VA

Virginia Assisted Living Association, Glen Allen, VA

Virginia Association for Home Care & Hospice, Richmond, VA

Virginia Association of Roofing Professionals, Richmond, VA

Virginia Association of Surveyors, Richmond, VA

Virginia Automatic Merchandising Association, Richmond, VA

Virginia Contractor Procurement Alliance, Henrico, VA

Virginia Food Industry Association, Richmond, VA

Virginia Forestry Association, Richmond, VA

Virginia Forest Products Association, Sandston, VA

Virginia Loggers Association, Goochland, VA

Virginia Manufactured and Modular Housing Association, Richmond, VA

Virginia Manufacturers Association, Richmond, VA

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Hampton, VA

Virginia Poultry Federation, Harrisonburg, VA

Virginia Retail Federation, Richmond, VA

Virginia Seafood Council, Newport News, VA

Virginia Trucking Association, Richmond, VA

Virginia Veterinary Medical Association, Henrico, VA

Virginia Wineries Association, Richmond, VA

Virginia Wholesalers & Distributors Association, Richmond, VA