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 | Jun 8, 2020
Reopened offices raise liability risk for businesses and owners
Risks may not be covered by property insurance.
Codes and Standards | Jun 4, 2020
American Wood Council updates report on fire resistance of wood members and assemblies
Provides new examples and background on mass timber calculations.
Codes and Standards | Jun 3, 2020
Virginia makes GCs liable for subs employee wages
New law allows workers to sue GCs for wages in class action.
Codes and Standards | Jun 2, 2020
Designers, owners reinventing restaurants to cope with COVID-19
Options include rearranged seating, mobile ordering, designated flow spaces.
Codes and Standards | Jun 1, 2020
How owners should comply with OSHA roofing safety guidelines
Buildings should have fall protection and restraint provisions for those who go on roofs.
Codes and Standards | May 29, 2020
AIA releases new, updated sustainable project documents
Streamlined sustainable design and construction process included.
Codes and Standards | May 28, 2020
USGBC outlines how it will support pandemic recovery efforts
Includes emergency guidance and upgrades to the LEED green building program.
Codes and Standards | May 27, 2020
Office market could be COVID-19 casualty
As companies get used to work at home, post-pandemic office market could collapse.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2020
Architectural Reuse Council will step up efforts to reuse construction waste
Cabinets, appliances, lighting, and lumber diverted from landfills to be repurposed.
Codes and Standards | May 26, 2020
Is CLT really a green solution?
Sustainability depends upon forest stewardship, product manufacturing process.