Rulemaking process starts Jan. 26, with industry groups applauding rescind but seeking more input on construction-specific regulations.

In emergency hearing Jan. 7, conservative justices indicated concerns with the Biden Administration's argument of legal authority to issue sweeping mandate.

Dec. 3 ruling in conservative court supports claim of unclear government authority, halting order only in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee; separately, Cincinnati court declines government request to accelerate appeal of halt to OSHA vaccine rule for large private employers, and NYC orders new mandate for all businesses.

Government says OSHA enforcement is "unambiguous ... in addressing grave dangers to employees in the workplace," in rollout of COVID emergency temporary rule.

Parker's first big task: implementing expected standard mandating worker vaccination or testing for COVId-19.

Contractor group wants workplace definition changes, employer mandate liability and enforcement clarifications, among other things for federal contractors and large firms.

President Biden's vaccine mandate has left many businesses, including in construction, uncertain about what's next. But legal experts say there are ways to prepare.