Legal/Regulation

Trump order bans 'divisive' diversity training for federal contractors, subs

The directive follows a White House memorandum advising federal agencies not to spend taxpayer money on "anti-American propaganda training sessions."

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 29, 2020

Michigan fines 12 construction-related businesses for COVID-19 violations

“The employers that are doing nothing and essentially thumbing their noses at the CDC and health agencies" will get noticed by state and federal authorities, according to a construction attorney.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 24, 2020

Labor Department proposes revision of independent contractor test

DOL wants to provide more clarity for employers to determine who is an independent contractor or employee, but a legal expert said contractors should follow stricter state laws where applicable.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 23, 2020

What to do when an employee is afraid to return to the jobsite due to COVID-19

If an employee refuses to work although there is no imminent danger, "the courts have made it clear that those employees don’t have to be paid," says a human resources expert.

By Kate Tornone • Sept. 17, 2020

More than 60 projects expedited by Trump executive order waiving environmental regulations

Newly released documents provide details into some of the infrastructure projects that have been sped up by the Trump administration to help hasten the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Jenn Goodman • Sept. 17, 2020

AIA paper offers guidance on the difference between delegated design and design assist

Both collaborative methods put contractors in the position of offering input that can influence the overall project.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 16, 2020

Federal court says DOL joint-employer rule 'arbitrary and capricious'; ABC says judge 'got it wrong'

A federal court judge found that the Labor Department's new rule is in conflict with the Fair Labor Standards Act's broader definition. The Associated Builders and Contractors contends the judge "misapplied precedent" and suggests an appeal.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 15, 2020

Engineer finds a portion of Texas border wall at risk of failing

Delivered as part of a lawsuit against We Build the Wall, a new report claims that Fisher Sand and Gravel's work on part of the U.S.-Mexico border wall was done without ensuring that it would not "cause more harm than good."

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 11, 2020

Payroll tax deferral program could leave employers holding the bag

Firms that allow workers to defer Social Security taxes this year could face the liability of repaying the taxes themselves, according to an ADP executive.

By Robert Freedman • Sept. 11, 2020

Black workers file lawsuit against Mitsubishi Electric US for racial harassment, discrimination

The plaintiffs, four employees in the company's elevator and escalator business, claim that the company did not take timely action after they complained about alleged racist behavior by supervisors and other workers.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 10, 2020

Work resumes at Amazon distribution center site after deadly accident

The two men killed earlier this month at the Suffolk, Virginia, jobsite worked for Louisiana-based Eastern Constructors, which has seen other employees killed or injured in workplace incidents in recent years.

By Kim Slowey • UPDATED: Sept. 15, 2020 at 8:13 a.m.

PPP loan forgiveness could result in big tax bills

Unless Congress intervenes, the IRS will not allow businesses to write off wages and rent paid for with Paycheck Protection Program funds, something many contractors are unaware of, according to one expert.

By Jenn Goodman , Joe Bousquin • Aug. 31, 2020

Electrical sub to pay $1.25M to settle discrimination claims at Apple jobsite

The ruling sends a message that subcontractors as well as general contractors must take prompt, effective action to stop harassment and hate speech, said the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

By Lisa Burden • Aug. 31, 2020

Justice Department indicts Minnesota contractor for $841K PPP loan fraud

Kyle Brenizer applied for and received a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan under the name of his defunct construction company and allegedly submitted false employee and tax information.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 28, 2020

Contractors file $16M of liens on Royal Caribbean's Miami headquarters project

The cruise firm has halted work on capital projects because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on its new $300 million corporate campus that broke ground last year.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 26, 2020

Racism saps safety and profits from construction, owners say

Executives from Microsoft and Compass Datacenters issued a call to action to stamp out hate in the construction industry, saying it stifles productivity and keeps talented workers away.

By Joe Bousquin • Aug. 21, 2020

NYC announces new PLAs, community hiring initiative

Mayor Bill de Blasio's administration entered into new Project Labor Agreements with trade unions and has proposed state legislation requiring contractors to hire low-income New Yorkers.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 18, 2020

Sponsored by Triax

The new PPE your workforce shouldn't be without

Proximity Trace is helping general contractors protect their workers and maintain safety protocols on site.

Judge denies FIGG's request to lift highway administration suspension

A district judge ruled Monday not to rescind the Federal Highway Administration suspension imposed on FIGG Bridge Engineers, which was involved in the deadly Florida International University bridge collapse in 2018.

By Kim Slowey • UPDATED: Aug. 18, 2020 at 9:29 a.m.

Skanska, DPR, Schneider Electric face VR/AR patent infringement lawsuits

There are steps contractors can take to be prepared for such a claim, according to an intellectual property attorney.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 11, 2020

Appeals court upholds $687K builders risk exclusion on Balfour Beatty project

The court found that the risk policy for a Houston office building did not cover damage to the windows caused by slag from welding operations by subcontractor Milestone Metals. 

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 10, 2020

Former Turner exec pleads guilty to charges based on $1.5M in bribes

Ronald Olson pleaded guilty in federal court to tax evasion and faces New York state charges related to bribery and bid rigging.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 06, 2020

Citing FIU bridge collapse, feds propose 10-year debarment for FIGG

The company, which has been suspended for the time being, faces an unusually lengthy debarment that would ban it from participating in federally funded projects with the exception of subcontracts valued at less than $30,000.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 03, 2020

Virginia first state to enact COVID-19 emergency temporary standard

An ETS regarding coronavirus-related workplace safety requirements for contractors and other businesses is also in the works for Oregon.

By Kim Slowey • July 28, 2020

Biggest OSHA fines of Q2 2020

Despite the pandemic, OSHA is still focusing on other jobsite dangers, including fall issues at a Florida roofing company that's been cited 12 times in the last few years.

By Kim Slowey • July 27, 2020