Construction Blog

HB2838, which would have made primary contractors jointly liable for the wages & benefits of their subcontractor’s employees, even if the primary contractor had paid the subcontractor in full, has been held from consideration in the Illinois State Senate in the final days of spring session. Senate Bill Sponsor, Laura Fine (D-Glenview) sent word on May 30th to all stakeholders of HB2838 that an amendment would be filed that would remove some of the controversial issues supported by the Carpenters Unions and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO),

Check out this article by attorney Ross Boden published in The Contractor’s Compass titled, “LEGALLY SPEAKING: OSHA Compliance Tips on Multi-Employer Work Sites and Joint-Employer Relationships.” It summarizes the responsibilities you need to know to help you escape your next OSHA inspection without a dreaded citation. Subcontractors must remain cognizant of OSHA’s continued enforcement focus on multi-employer job sites and joint-employer relationships. At current penalty rates of $12,934 per violation or $129,336 for willful violations, citations carry significant consequences. This article summarizes the responsibilities you need to know with examples and practice tips to help you escape your next OSHA inspection without a dreaded citation.

Mechanic’s liens are without a doubt a subcontractor’s best collection tool when there are payment problems. The sources of its power are (1) the risk that the property will be sold to satisfy the lien, (2) the threat that the owner, in order to prevent foreclosure, may have to pay the subcontractor even if the owner has already paid the general contractor, and (3) the lien may trump the lender’s prior deed of trust.

Given the negative impact on development that a new tax the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 placed on contributed utility infrastructure, the staff of the Missouri Public Service Commission is holding a workshop to address the tax, on July 19th, starting at 10 a.m. at Room 450 in the Governor's Office Building, 200 Madison Street, Jefferson City, MO 65102. It is important that all aspects of the development and building industry in Missouri be represented. Developers, builders, contractors, and subcontractors are encouraged to attend.