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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

New “Stop” Signs Go Up in Many WV Construction Zones

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Monday, June 30, 2008   

Charleston, WV – Use caution when operating heavy machinery. That advice is becoming the law in West Virginia this week as new drug and alcohol testing and education requirements go on the books Tuesday. The programs have to be in place for any company bidding on state construction contracts.

Steve White, director of the Affiliated Construction Trades Foundation, says the topic is something unions, government and business owners agree on.

"Construction is dangerous enough without drugs and alcohol. We're committed, and our members are committed, to having a drug-free workplace."

White cites a recent national survey that shows 15 percent of construction workers admit to using drugs or alcohol on the job. And he notes there was very little opposition to the law, only some concern about the expense.

West Virginia's new law is comprehensive. According to White, it provides drug education training for workers and supervisors, requires testing at certified labs and tests for a wider range of dangerous drugs than even under most federal requirements.

"They don't test for things like oxycontin, oxycodone and opiates, which are rampant out in the workplace right now. And these are all areas you have to address in today's environment."


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