OSHA can cite general contractors who fail to control hazardous conditions at multi-employer worksites, even if those conditions do not directly affect their own employees, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit recently ruled.
The decision will prompt a review of a 2017 case in which a Denver Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Commission administrative judge ruled that GCs cannot be held liable for the safety violations of subcontractors. The Appeals Court said that the case law on which the OSH judge based the decision was obsolete.
The 5th Circuit said more recent rulings have indicated that a general contractor could be held responsible for safety on the multi-employer site as a “controlling employer.”
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Mar 23, 2017
New manual of IT connectivity guidelines for commercial developments, redevelopments released
Mobile capacity planning, conduit points of entry, and electrical resiliency are covered.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2017
Brick Industry Assn. study finds brick buildings cost less than precast, metal, and glass
The study compares costs in five categories of construction.
Codes and Standards | Mar 21, 2017
Calif. shopping center is first to earn BREEAM USA In-Use certification
The certification measures and monitors environmental performance of existing buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 20, 2017
Professional liability insurance rates for architects and engineers expected to be stable in 2017
Premiums leveled off in 2015, and claims have been stable, helping to hold costs down.
Codes and Standards | Mar 15, 2017
Energy Star program at risk
The standard-setting initiative for energy-efficient products may be a victim of Trump budget cuts.
Codes and Standards | Mar 14, 2017
Timber Innovation Act to promote tall wood buildings introduced in Congress
The measure has bipartisan support.
Codes and Standards | Mar 13, 2017
U.S. House and Senate have voted to repeal Dept. of Labor’s 'blacklisting' rule
The rule mandates labor compliance review for federal construction contractors.
Codes and Standards | Mar 9, 2017
WiredScore forms Connectivity Advisory Committee
The committee's creation is an important step forward for the group that evaluates internet connectivity in buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 8, 2017
New guide examines multifamily high-performance ventilation
The focus is on cost and performance of various systems.
Codes and Standards | Mar 7, 2017
Canada’s national building codes will encompass effects of climate change
Forecasted data, not historical data, will be used as the basis for the codes.