From Words to Action: Houston Enforces Construction Safety Standards

By Shaneece Flax, Communications Coordinator, November 13, 2025

At Thursday’s commissioners court meeting in Downtown Houston, officials adopted a new worksite safety directive aiming to protect construction workers from preventable injuries and heat-related risks.

Texas is among the hottest states in the nation and consistently reports some of the highest rates of work-related heat illnesses and injuries, particularly in construction and outdoor labor sectors. 

Amy Zachmeyer, Executive Director of New Houston, emphasized how federal policy seriously lacks common sense pertaining to worker safety in construction. 

“Common sense says that you judge people by what they do and not just what they say”, said Zachmeyer. “That’s why it's deeply important that worksite safety policies like this one included strong enforcement mechanisms so that it’s about action and not just words.”

Commissioner Leslie Brioness was eager to get this policy passed and explained the importance of working together on safety concerns in Harris County. 

“From a quality perspective, and from a continuity perspective this is a win for both sides," said Briones. “I love how we are able here in Harris County to come across as we may disagree and share different opinions but then we find common purpose and common ground and take action.”

During his remarks, Commissioner Ramsey asked the legal team whether passing the policy might be illegal or face pushback from the construction industry. The legal team responded that it would not. 

Commissioner Rodney Ellis introduced the policy to the court, underscoring the harmful consequences of inadequate work and heat safety protections for construction workers

“In the state of Texas 564 deaths happened statewide in 2023,” said Ellis. “We can always get more input and we should continue to do that, but I can tell you 564 people we won't hear from; because they're dead.” 

The Safety Policy sets clear standards and requirements designed to protect workers across Harris County.

The new Worksite Safety Policy requires heat protections that go beyond OSHA standards, a critical safeguard for Texas workers facing extreme temperatures.

It also outlines upcoming enforcement measures that community advocates will monitor closely to ensure strong accountability.

The passage of the worksite safety directive marks a pivotal step toward protecting Houston’s construction workforce from preventable injuries and heat-related illnesses. 

While debate over timing and process revealed ongoing tensions, the 3–1 vote demonstrates a clear commitment to prioritizing worker lives over bureaucratic delay.