My name is Fred Williams and I am a member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). I have served Arlington County in the Water, Sewer, and Streets Division of Environmental Services for 5 years. Currently, I work as a Crew Leader supervising the work of two road crews.  

I take pride in my work and I want to see the county continue to prioritize our safety. While the work we do has us out in the community and in close contact with the public, the measures that the county has implemented towards compliance with ETS has meant some measure of protection for us. Prior to the pandemic, it was typical practice for road crews to ride out to job sites four people in a vehicle. These conditions would make it impossible to adequately socially distance. In response to the newly implemented VOSH requirements, the county has enacted the practice of having employees ride alone. The impact of that decision has made a world of difference in mitigating risk of potential exposure. 

We need VOSH to make the Emergency Temporary Standard permanent to protect employees against the risk of exposure. The risk presented by COVID-19 has not passed and it is of the utmost importance that employers have clear directives as to what steps must be taken to protect employees and the public. Strong enforcement mechanisms will mean more compliance. Virginia has shown leadership in being first in the nation to enact these temporary emergency standards, and they can continue to lead by making the standards permanent. We urge you to protect Virginian workers and our families and enact a permanent standard and requirements to take effect on January 27, 2021.