New York City recently enacted legislation that will require contractors to hire construction superintendents for all major projects at buildings higher than three stories.
Another new law requires the Department of Buildings (DOB) to notify OSHA about construction code violations that may endanger workers. The measure requires reporting within 72 hours of an incident about contractors involved in the project, nature of work, hours on the job, injuries, who was hurt, collective bargaining rights of those injured, and details on the site. Contractors face fines of up to $25,000 and daily fines of as much as $1,000 for those who fail to report.
New laws also govern the use of cranes. Operators of Class-B hoisting machine must get a license rating to use certain cranes. Certain cranes must have GPS or other locating devices; and certain cranes must be equipped with data-logging equipment to record operations and work conditions.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Apr 18, 2016
ASHRAE releases proposed energy standard for historic buildings
Designed to balance with preservation requirements.
Codes and Standards | Apr 13, 2016
Canadian city fines itself for failing to get a building permit for building renovation
Guelph, Ontario, will pay a $1,125 fine to the province.
Codes and Standards | Apr 12, 2016
Construction trade groups sue OSHA over silica rule
Cite concerns about technological and economic feasibility.
Codes and Standards | Apr 11, 2016
New LEED 2009 projects will have to meet increased minimum energy performance
New requirements went into effect April 8.
Wood | Apr 8, 2016
New LEED Pilot ACP designed to help eliminate irresponsibly sourced materials
Illegal wood is primary target to restrict illicit material in the supply chain.
Lighting | Apr 5, 2016
Lighting requirements for high-rise dwellings proposed for energy standard
The requirements would effectively eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs.
Steel Buildings | Apr 4, 2016
AISI publishes Cold-Formed Steel Framing Design Guide, 2016 Edition
Updates 2007 edition; includes five comprehensive design examples.
Data Centers | Apr 1, 2016
ASHRAE releases publication on the impact of IT equipment on data center design
The book offers advice for designing structures in the fast-changing data center industry.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2016
Occupant egress simulations that impact codes fall short, researchers say
Building evacuations in emergencies are too dangerous as a result.
School Construction | Mar 28, 2016
National report on school buildings reports $46 billion annual funding shortfall
Millions of students said to be learning in obsolete facilities.