Prevent Contract Errors
This article from JD Supra lists some valuable tips for preparing for a big project, but could be used in all projects. They recommend:
- Know the entire contract – the boilerplate is not the complete contract.
- Be sure of other documents that make up the contract – drawings, specifications, etc.
- “Which claims are included?” – court, arbitration, etc. Check to see what you have to cover.
Charging Fines for Safety Violations?
OHSA has multiple sections that address employee discipline, which can be confusing to some. Ned Fitter, Safety Director at Telligent Masonry said, “You can discipline an employee for a safety infraction if you have a disciplinary policy in place, along with clearly stated policies and procedures that the employee has been trained on. If you receive an OSHA citation and then discipline an employee for it, this action is considered retaliation. I would not use the word citation when disciplining employees for safety infractions. I have seen larger general contractors fine subcontractors for clearly defined safety violations such as fall protection, excavation, or electrical issues.”