Legal/Regulation

Report: KCI airport JV contractor allegedly withheld late pay, delay history from application

The issue raises the question of what aspects of a contractor's history should be brought to light during a bidding process.
By Kim Slowey • Oct. 17, 2019
Illinois senator resigns from transportation role amid fed's construction fraud investigation

The FBI obtained search warrants last month to look into corruption related to state construction work alleged against state Sen. Martin Sandoval, but no charges have been filed.
By Kim Slowey • Oct. 14, 2019
Escalation clauses can help contractors mitigate price increases

With savvy planning, contractors can often get owners to help pay when material prices go up during the course of a project.
By Kim Slowey • Oct. 11, 2019
Could a deadly fire like the one at UK's Grenfell Tower happen in the US?

Questions about codes' and building materials' roles in fire safety were addressed by experts at the Construct conference.
By Jean Dimeo • Oct. 10, 2019
What builders should know about construction on sacred land

As evidenced by the recent Hawaii telescope project, crews working on historic sites can be stalled by protests or, in other cases, by the findings of artifacts or even human remains.
By Kim Slowey • Oct. 09, 2019
New OSHA weighting system could lead to more inspections

The process, rolled out this week, could put increased emphasis on the Fatal Four, a former Department of Labor official said.
By Kim Slowey • Oct. 04, 2019
How technology can help contractors prevent lawsuits

When all project players have access to the same tools — such as scheduling software, 3D modeling and data collection — experts agree disputes are more easily avoided.
By Kim Slowey • Oct. 02, 2019
As federal overtime rule drops, experts recommend audits, training

The new rule, which will impact industries including construction, may face legal challenges, but experts say companies shouldn't delay compliance efforts.
By Ryan Golden • Sept. 30, 2019
OSHA gets new construction director

The new head of the Directorate of Construction, Scott Ketcham, will help shape OSHA policy, according to an industry expert.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 27, 2019
California agency to investigate bullet train board member

This is the second member of the state's High-Speed Rail Authority to come under scrutiny for a conflict of interest.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 26, 2019
BREAKING: DOL finalizes $35K overtime threshold

The update takes effect Jan. 1 and is perhaps one of the most anticipated rulemakings from DOL.
By Ryan Golden • Sept. 24, 2019
Independent contractors now a big question mark in California after employment bill passes

The move will likely reduce the amount construction firms working in the state can rely on short-term independent contractors for labor needs.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 20, 2019
It's wait and see for hospital construction in Florida

Though the state removed a common restriction on healthcare development, there hasn’t yet been a post-repeal uptick in projects, an observer told Construction Dive. But the potential has some contractors poised to move quickly.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 20, 2019
US Senate subcommittee advances $87B transportation bill

But, according to Transportation for America, federal appropriations and disbursements are two different things, and in the lastt few years, only a small portion of appropriations have been handed out to projects.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 19, 2019
Mayor, contractors push back on state report condemning job creation numbers

The push for transparency related to job creation is no surprise when one considers how much money companies have received to move to cities like Camden, New Jersey. And the issue is not specific to the region or state.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 18, 2019
Another injury reported at I-4 Ultimate project in Orlando

Thus far, four workers have been killed and several others injured while working on the project.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 17, 2019
Report: Pentagon to waive environmental regs for military-funded border wall construction projects

The Department of Homeland Security has declared itself exempt from standard environmental regulations several times to further wall construction.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 17, 2019
$15B California school construction bond to go before voters

The move would offer a lot of benefits for contractors that specialize in school construction, but it has also raised questions about the role that project labor agreements play in the measure.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 16, 2019
Manhattan DA busts labor broker for workers' comp fraud

There are several "easy questions about hiring that any legitimate employer will be able to answer" to avoid the fate of Salvador Almonte Jr., who allegedly cheated his workers out of $1 million in workers' comp insurance premiums, an attorney told Construction Dive.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 09, 2019
Returning lawmakers could move on several infrastructure bills, including $287B highway act

As Congress begins its fall session, it faces many industry issues, such as road construction and replacing military project funds deferred for the wall.
By Jenn Goodman • Sept. 09, 2019
New USDOT rules would speed up project permitting

For a long time, various federal agencies' environmental reviews processes have been siloed, causing a back and forth that results in inevitable delays.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 08, 2019
Worker sues Marriott, PCL, other contractors after witnessing construction deaths in Florida

Suing for emotional distress, the plaintiff will likely have to prove a high level of negligence, an attorney said.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 04, 2019
National Labor Relations Board's independent contractor ruling called 'employer friendly'

Though misclassification of workers as independent contractors doesn't violate the National Labor Relations Act, a legal expert advises contractors in doubt to classify workers as employers.
By Kim Slowey • Sept. 04, 2019
DOL apprenticeship plan stirs debate among contractors

The controversy centers on whether construction should be exempt from a proposed provision that paves the way for standard-setting training programs.
By Jenn Goodman • Sept. 03, 2019
Illinois enacts new retainage law amid national trend

Twenty states have restricted owners' withholding of contractor payments, a lawyer says, and the state's action could prompt others to make the change.
By Kim Slowey • Aug. 28, 2019