THE IMPORTANCE OF SELECTING A QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR
BY EMIL E. BRAUN, CHAIRMAN AND KENNETH E. BALBI, M.D., VICE PRESIDENT OF COMPLIANCE, AIA ENVIRONMENTAL CORP.
Progress is defined as the advancement, movement and completion of gradual development and improvement for mankind and civilization. During the last century we have had great progress in the Big Apple. Our forefathers built the foundation for the City of New York based upon dreams and hard work. As we continue to build, rebuild and manage the foundation of this great city into the next millennium, contractors, building owners, managers and workers are required to have an understanding of how construction has changed. All construction work must be done in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, (including federal, state and local requirements which may be contradictory) which have ‘progressed’ to maintain this city and keep it’s citizens safe from the potential hazards the construction and building maintenance industries may cause.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
The impact that these laws, rules and regulations have are numerous, confusing and include many things that may be taken for granted, as may be seen during a simple paint renovation, a roofing material removal project on a roof without a parapet, working in a crawl space under a building or in something as difficult as a complete building demolition. Lead hazards (including paint) in construction, asbestos removal, confined space, underground storage tanks, chemical spills all potentially can have a dangerous impact on life, safety and the environment. Respiratory, fall and personal protection, lockout/tagout of mechanical and electrical systems, hazard communication, fire safety, environmental training, and medical surveillance are all potential issues for violations of regulatory requirements for even the simplest of jobs.
What should all this mean to building owners and building managers? Who should I contact to handle this project? Do I need a painter, roofer, plumber, a general contractor or a specialized environmental contractor, sensitive to all the problems and pitfalls that may be encountered. Is it only a simple scrape, sand and paint; an easy rip and replace; a two second cut and weld; a wrecking ball and down it comes or could it really be more? Could there be a financial impact if I cut corners, will it be worth it? If you find yourself asking this question, you’ve gone too far. You need to discuss your project with a professional.
SAFE WORK PRACTICES
Contracting is no longer just a simple job, based on the extent of all the aforementioned requirements that have been implemented during the last two decades. The contractor needs to be completely up-to-date on the complex standards that may be required or need to be developed that may affect any specific scope of work. Despite this, work-related injuries, illness and death may occur and impose a substantial burden upon employers, employees, and their clients by way of lost production, lost wages, medical expenses, compensation payments, disability, lawsuits, fines, penalties, criminal prosecution, and civil liabilities.
These problems are attributable to the lack of effective health and safety programs, accident prevention programs, hazard communication, and most of all, education and training in many companies, especially the smaller ones. That is why many of the larger and more established contractors have developed and incorporated principles on environmental management and compliance which are presently needed in all types of construction work.
It is important for building owners and managers to realize that safe work practices have been developed not to cause a financial burden, but to maintain the foundation on which this city was built. This is why it is important to select a qualified contractor who can perform the scope of work in accordance with the required rules and regulations and keep the financial impact down.
You can contact the authors at AIA Environmental, 20-29 38 Street, Astoria, NY 11105, 718-545-0000. Visit their website: www.aiaenvionmental.com.