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
Healthcare Facilities | Jun 10, 2016
Top 10 health technology hazards include some influenced by space design
ECRI Institute’s annual list includes operational and workflow issues.
Codes and Standards | Jun 9, 2016
Supreme Court ruling could aid developers on properties containing wetlands
Unanimous decision allows landowners to take regulatory decisions straight to court.
Green | Jun 8, 2016
TD Bank Group's renovated Toronto office is first WELL-Certified project under WELL v1
The newly renovated 25,000-sf space achieved gold-level status.
Concrete | Jun 7, 2016
Concrete Institute publishes document providing concrete curing guidance
New curing monitoring techniques included.
Energy | Jun 7, 2016
Energy modeling payback typically as short as one to two months
Energy modeling is a ‘no-brainer—like checking MPG on a car’
Green | Jun 2, 2016
USGBC offers new LEED pilot credit: Building Material Human Hazard and Exposure Assessment
For assessing human health-related exposure scenarios for construction products.
Resiliency | Jun 1, 2016
Federal agencies boost standards for more resilient construction
HUD, FEMA, GSA, Army Corps of Engineers make policy changes.
Green | May 31, 2016
Miami Beach requires developers to meet green standards or pay a fee
Applies to structures larger than 7,000 sf.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2016
Better enforcement needed for successful implementation of energy efficiency policies
Commercial buildings the focus of recent code initiatives.
Codes and Standards | May 25, 2016
LEED Dynamic is worth the effort, says commercial real estate executive
San Diego office tower is California’s first office building to receive LEED Dynamic plaque in recertification.