| Houston, Texas – The Harris County Attorney’s Office has successfully defended Harris County’s Contractor Safety Record Policy, after the Fourteenth Court of Appeals dismissed a legal challenge to the policy. As a result, the policy remains fully in effect and will continue to apply to qualifying county-funded construction projects across Harris County. The Safety Record Policy, adopted by the Harris County Commissioners Court in 2023, is designed to protect workers, promote the responsible use of public funds, and ensure the high-quality delivery of county infrastructure projects. “In adopting a Safety Record Policy, Harris County Commissioners Court took bold and proactive action to protect workers on county-funded construction projects,” said Jonathan Fombonne, Harris County Attorney. “Defending this policy in court is an important win for Harris County workers. Workplace injuries take an enormous emotional and physical toll on workers, their families, and their communities. This policy helps maintain a healthy workforce and ensures the reliable delivery of services to our residents. I’m proud that we were able to protect this policy in court.” The policy reflects findings by the Commissioners Court that thousands of workers are killed on the job each year nationwide, with millions more suffering serious injuries or illnesses, resulting in significant human and economic costs, including lost productivity and increased public expenditures. “No one should cut corners when it comes to worker safety,” said Neal Sarkar, Special Assistant County Attorney. “Unsafe workplaces impose severe emotional, physical, and financial costs on workers, families, communities, and local governments. By adopting its Safety Record Policy, Harris County made clear that companies placing workers at the highest risk of death or serious injury should not receive taxpayer-funded contracts. We are pleased the Court upheld the County’s authority to prioritize safety and protect the public interest”. |