Several jurisdictions are stepping up enforcement of COVID-19 rules on construction sites.
Construction companies that don’t follow guidelines for social distancing, hand-washing, and other coronavirus-related precautions face court action, fines, and possible shutdowns. Many cities and counties have given 30-day grace periods, but some building departments say they will now crack down on scofflaws.
Officials in New York City, Austin, Texas, and Montgomery County, Maryland have spoken out recently to put contractors on notice. Residents in New York City and Austin have been reporting violations of COVID-19 safety guidelines—more than 6,000 complaints have been lodged in New York City and over 70 have been recorded in Austin.
OSHA is also stepping up enforcement. In Nevada, the agency fined the joint venture in charge of construction at the Allegiant Stadium project $13,494 for a “serious” coronavirus-related violation.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 11, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2017
Plunging solar power costs making PVs more compelling for owners, developers
Technical and manufacturing advances are driving down prices.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
Boston’s plans for new development at odds with flood projections
One plan calls for building in areas predicted to be flooded during high tides as sea levels rise.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
New LEED for Cities, LEED for Communities pilot certifications unveiled
Requires tracking of performance data and progress toward goals.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2017
China claims top ranking outside of U.S. for total LEED-certified space
Canada, India, Brazil, and Korea round out top 5.
Codes and Standards | Jan 6, 2017
OSHA prompts more proactive approach to construction site safety
Remote operated camera systems are being used to mitigate risk in real time.
Codes and Standards | Jan 5, 2017
2018 building energy code upholds efficiency gains
Efforts to scale back efficiency requirements largely defeated.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2017
Low-income housing doesn’t lower neighborhood housing values
A Trulia study contradicts longstanding fears.
Codes and Standards | Jan 3, 2017
Intelligent transportation systems have implications for designers, construction firms
Sensors and Internet of Things devices will have to be embedded in infrastructure.
Codes and Standards | Dec 15, 2016
OSHA releases safety recommendation guide for construction industry
It is said to be most helpful to small and mid-sized contractors.