One of the toughest things to deal with on any project can be the relationships between owner and general contractor or the general contractor and subcontractor. In the worst case scenarios, tensions between those relationships can sometimes lead to one of those parties packing up their tools and walking off the job before it’s complete. But that action may make the situation a little hairier than you might expect, if you don’t do it the right way.
Read moreReminder: OSHA 300A Injury and Illness Records Required to be Electronically Submitted by March 2
image via OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application web page
Congratulations, you made it through 2020, but now it’s time to do you taxes and turn in your OSHA 300A Form.
By March 2nd, 2021, all non-exempt construction companies must submit their OSHA Form 300A for the year 2020, which is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses, to OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA).
All employers across all industries with 250 or more employees must electronically submit their form to OSHA, but construction has some more strict requirements. Since construction is considered a higher risk for occupational injuries and illnesses, any business with at least 20 employees must submit the 300A form.
OSHA began accepting form submissions on January 2.
Visit OSHA’s OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA) to submit your company’s 300A form before the deadline is up.
Featured
OSHA Revises Final Beryllium Standards for Construction After Industry Group Pushback
After being enforced for a little over 2 years, the 2018 beryllium standards for construction are being revised to clarify the administration’s standards, and simplify and improve compliance, after pushback from industry groups. This move was also announced in the recently released Spring 2020 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions from the White House.
Read moreThe Top 6 Causes of Trenching and Excavation OSHA Violations
photo by Andy Rogers, CC BY-SA 2.0
Even though the means to prevent trench collapses is pretty simple, dozens of construction workers continue to be killed by them every year. A few weeks ago, The Center for Construction Research and Training (CPWR) held a webinar on trenching and excavation hazards, the reduction of which is has been OSHA’s priority goal since 2018.
Read moreA List of Resources to Help Contractors Navigate the Coronavirus Pandemic
Well, we’re in uncharted territory, to say the least. The coronavirus has placed major limitations on how many businesses can function, including construction. The state of Pennsylvania has shut down all construction sites, and so has the City of Boston, but most other states have deemed construction as “essential,” allowing projects to continue.
Read moreWA State Lawmakers Pushing for More Crane Regulation after Deadly 2019 Collapse
via the Seattle Fire Department
In April 2019, a tower crane disassembly turned deadly when it suddenly toppled into a Seattle, WA street below, killing two ironworkers and 2 others that were crushed by the falling crane while sitting in their cars. With the hopes of a tragedy like this never happening again, state lawmakers have proposed new legislation for crane procedures.
Read moreNew York City Passes Law for Bird-Friendly Exterior Requirement for Buildings
New York City is home to a large number of the United States’ tall and supertall buildings, many of which are wrapped in window glazing. All of those buildings come at a cost, though, as unsuspecting birds crash into these “invisible” buildings and die – by the millions – each year. A new law in NYC would help to reduce that number.
Read more3 Big Reasons Contractors Who Want to Get Paid Should File a Mechanics Lien
The following is a guest post by Justin Gitelman
Among common setbacks in the construction industry, nonpayment is a contractor’s worst nightmare. When calling, sending emails, submitting a preliminary notice, and other measures don’t yield any positive results, you may be left with no choice but to file a mechanics lien.
Read more[VIDEO] Overview of the OSHA Inspection Process
via the US DOL
You and your company may be fearful of an unexpected OSHA inspection, but it’s important to know the procedures just in case one happens. The US Department of Labor has recently released a video of the general steps of an OSHA investigation.
Read moreUS DOL Finalizes Changes to Long Delayed Overtime Pay Update
For nearly 3 years, an update to the overtime pay rule was held up in court battles, but we may finally have a resolution. The update sought to increase the minimum salary threshold of workers that are exempt from being paid overtime pay for any overs worked over the traditional 40 hour work week.
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Shane is the creator of Construction Junkie and an active construction project manager. In his career, he has managed interior remodel projects, site development, construction safety, governmental project compliance, and facility maintenance. He has a strong passion for construction technology and safety, as well as sharing the knowledge or insights he has gained throughout his career.