Assessing and Qualifying Subcontractors & Ongoing Monitoring of Subcontractor Safety Program
by Shirley Caraveo, M.S. Safety

Operating a multi-employer jobsite, as a GC, is a team effort. You know the quality of each job by the quality of the team. The same is true for Subs, but on a more direct scale. In their case, the quality of the job depends on the quality of their employees. Do you have a top quality team on each of your job sites?

Assessing Your Subs by Reviewing their Safety Program Specifics
The only way to determine the quality of your team is to set a standard - then hire subs (if you are a GC) or employees (if you are a Sub) that comply with that standard. That’s the starting point for assessing and qualifying Subs (or employees) for the jobsite.

Qualifying Subcontractors
GCs need to ask for the Subs Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) to determine if they have addressed safety program basics:

• IIPP, Hazard Assessment, Inspection Procedures, Safety Training and Safety Enforcement Practices.
• Hazard Communication, Spill Procedures, Chemical Storage and maintenance of MSDS.
• Evacuation Plan, Emergency Medical Procedures and Heat Illness Prevention practices.
• Electrical/Lock-Out/Tag-Out Safety.

Thereafter, check if hazards specific to that sub’s license has been addressed. This is discussed further in next month’s Punch list.  However, you will want to focus on the severity exposures of falls, excavations, high voltage electrical, heavy equipment operations, etc.

Finally, when it comes to communication on a multiple employer site, you don’t not want your subs trying to figure things out without having a procedure in place. Verify their communications procedures when there is a problem with another subcontractor. Also, if your subs are Dual Employers, determine how they orient and train any temporary or leased workers.

A review of your subcontractor’s program need not be lengthy. Review their IIPPs Table on Contents to cut your time down. Concentrate on the most pertinent issues of the safety program as suggested above, then spot check the highest hazard issues for that subcontractor.

On-Going Monitoring of Subcontractor Safety Program and It’s Management

Maintaining information on a pool of subcontractors with differing specialties, their outstanding licenses and their reputation in the field does not have to be a laborious process.

Paper System: Maintain files on the Subs you have used in the past. Assess their performance in writing after each job, to determine if their work quality was to your standards, if they followed required safety protocols and if they worked well with other subcontractors.

With Computers: Inputting new information may be as simple as maintaining an electronic file in a word processing format. For more complex information, you might opt for a data collection format.
Either way, the information you need to address are such issues as:

• The type of license each subcontractor has and what jobs they are licensed to perform,
• General competence in their field (Good, Fair, Poor)
• Work Quality (Good, Fair, Poor)
• Ability to Work with Other Trades (Good, Fair, Poor)
• Work Safety (Compliance with Regulations -  Good, Fair, Poor)
• Any Liabilities Intrinsic to their Operations Which Need to Be Addressed as Part of Their Written Program
• Any Individuals that you might not wish to work with again.

A more extensive list of considerations is located on the SCBA website.
This information might be obtained by your own people in the field or by trusted business acquaintances. Either way, it will provide decision makers with a rich pool of information in determining which trades that they may wish to work with again in the future.

To obtain more information about General Contractor Specifications for Site Safety Requirements , go to:

S.C.B.A. website: www.socalbuilders.org .
State Fund website: www.scif.com

Ask the Code Consultant
By Chuck Daleo

Q:  What is going on with the cities?  Lay-offs, corrupt inspectors, can’t get an inspection for several days, plan checks taking forever …etc?

Bob H.

I know that the press has highlighted problem areas but that’s news.  They hardly ever report “good” news.  Consequently, the public gets a perception that all building departments are not performing properly. 

Bob also wanted to vent about higher fees.  He wanted to get my opinion if fee raises are justified given the current economic condition. 

I’ll give you my take on current building department activities based on my personal experience. 

As you may have read, the City of Costa Mesa City Council is considering laying off half of the City staff and this will include the building department.  The reason supposedly is to reduce the City’s pension costs.  The plan will likely be to replace the building staff with outside private contractors.  Other cities are also considering such a proposal and this could become a widespread approach.

How will this affect your work? 

First off, the private firms will probably hire the same building staff that was laid off.  This will provide continuity in inspections but these inspectors will not work full time.  They might work only two or three days a week and this could impact getting your inspections in a timely fashion.  

You will still pay the permit fees but the service level will probably drop off. 

Another tactic that is becoming prevalent is that some cities are reorganizing and excluding qualified people from top positions in the building department.  Building Officials are being replaced by planners, public works people and any body else that is available.

What this can do is create poor morale within the building departments.  Poor moral affects the work product and that is when you will be affected in many different ways.  An inspector writes a correction that you don’t agree with and you want to challenge it but the person in charge you talk to has no clue about what you are talking about.  The common response is “I’ll check with the inspector” and that takes a couple of days to hammer out.  Meanwhile your job sits.  This is already happening.

The inspector issue in the City of LA is being investigated.  I know the staff that is conducting the investigation and they are honest and ethical individuals.  Bob wanted to know if this was a common occurrence in inspectors demanding a bribe and then approving work they hadn’t seen.  I don’t believe this is common practice throughout the inspection community.  I’m sure that the LA situation is an anomaly and I hope that law enforcement agencies send a strong message to all concerned, including contractors. 

Inspection schedules just don’t figure in my mind.  If an inspector says I’ll be there between 1-3 PM, why does it always seem to occur after 3 PM?

I’m involved in a legal issue and we needed to have an inspection for part of the corrective work.  The contractors and I had to wait several hours before the inspector showed.  The contractor told me that is most common that they have to wait for the inspector to show.  This amounts to a lot of down time for any contractor. 

Bob said that he has had a couple of jobs where the plan checker didn’t make a complete review on the initial submittal.  And, when he resubmitted, it took “forever” to get the plan check comments.  Then, when he resubmitted for the third time, the plan checker added some new items that he didn’t include before.  To make matters worse, the plan checkers then penalized him by requiring additional fees for having to plan check on the fourth go around. 

I have reviewed many plan checks and it’s my opinion that they might have too much time on their hands.  But, that should not justify not making a complete plan check or finding ways to not approve. 

As far as fees go, they must be approved by the City Council.  This means that the fee raises must be discussed in an open forum and usually two readings are required.  It is during these sessions that the public can present their opinions.  Based on my experiences, the public usually doesn’t comment and contractors never do.

Based on the new state requirements for green and energy savings, the fees that cities charge for reviewing these new provisions can increase the cost of permit fees legitimately.

West Nile Virus
If you work outdoors, West Nile virus may be of concern to you, since it can be spread by bites from infected mosquitoes. It’s important to note that most people infected with West Nile virus will not get sick. However, some people after being bitten may become ill in 3 to 15 days. They develop a mild illness with fever, headache, body aches and sometimes skin rash and swollen glands. At this time, there are no known long-term effects due to this mild illness.

On rare occasions, a West Nile virus infection will result in a severe illness known as West Nile encephalitis (encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain). In a small number of cases, this more serious disease can be fatal.

Spread of the Virus
West Nile virus is typically spread by birds and mosquitoes. A mosquito becomes infected when it feeds on a bird carrying the virus. The infected mosquito can then transmit the virus when it bites another bird, person, or other animal. At this time, transmission of the virus from person to person is only thought to be possible during blood transfusions, organ transplants, or through breast milk.

West Nile virus was first recognized in New York City in 1999. It is not known how the virus was introduced into the United States, but it has spread from New York to almost every State in the U.S., and it continues to spread. The virus has been found in humans, horses, many types of birds, and some other animals.

Risk of Exposure
You are at highest risk of exposure to the virus if you work outdoors when mosquitoes are actively biting. Dawn and dusk are the most likely times to be bitten by a mosquito. In northern states, this is during the summer months, but in southern states, mosquitoes are active year-round. Persons 50 years of age or older have a greater risk of contracting the more serious illness, West Nile encephalitis.

Protecting Yourself
You can protect yourself from becoming infected in a number of ways. If you work outdoors, you can use these personal protective measures to reduce contact with mosquitoes:

• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks when possible.
• Spray exposed skin with insect repellant.
• READ AND FOLLOW LABEL DIRECTIONS FOR REPELLANT USE.
• Use DEET (N-N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) at concentrations of 35% or less.
• Do not apply repellants to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• When needed, reapply repellants according to label directions.
• Spray clothing with repellant, as mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing.
• DO NOT APPLY repellants under clothing.
• Wash treated clothing before wearing it again.

You can also protect yourself by not letting mosquitoes breed in your area. Eliminate as many sources of standing water as possible, because mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Turn over, cover, or remove equipment such as tarps, buckets, barrels and wheelbarrows that may accumulate water. Place drain holes in containers that cannot be discarded. Routinely empty water from containers that collect water in which mosquitoes can lay their eggs.

More Information
For more detailed information and updates with new information, visit the website maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.

If you have any health concerns or questions, contact your health care provider.

Virus del Nilo Occidental
Si usted trabaja al aire libre, el Virus del Nilo Occidental puede ser una preocupación para usted, ya que se puede propagar por medio de las picaduras de los mosquitos infectados. Es importante mencionar que la mayoría de las personas infectadas con el Virus del Nilo Occidental no se enferman. Sin embargo, algunas personas, después de sufrir una picadura de mosquito, pueden enfermarse en 3 a 15 días. Sufren una enfermedad leve con fiebre, dolor de cabeza, dolores en el cuerpo y a veces erupciones en la piel y glándulas inflamadas. Hasta la fecha no se conoce ningún efecto a largo plazo debido a esta enfermedad leve. En raras ocasiones, una infección con el Virus del Nilo Occidental resulta en una enfermedad grave conocida como encefalitis del Nilo Occidental (la encefalitis es una inflamación del cerebro). En unos pocos casos, esta enfermedad más grave puede ser fatal.

Propagación del virus
El Virus del Nilo Occidental típicamente lo propagan las aves y los mosquitos. Los mosquitos quedan infectados al picar a un ave que tenga el virus. Después, el mosquito infectado puede transmitir el virus cuando pica a otra ave, persona u otros animales. Hasta la fecha, se cree que la transmisión del virus de una persona a otra sólo puede ocurrir durante transfusiones de sangre, trasplantes de órganos o por medio de la lactancia materna.

El Virus del Nilo Occidental fue reconocido por primera vez en Nueva York en 1999. No se sabe como el virus fue introducido a los Estados Unidos, pero desde Nueva York se ha propagado a casi todos los estados de EE.UU. y continúa propagándose. El virus se ha descubierto en seres humanos, equinos, muchos tipos de aves y algunos otros animales.

Riesgo de exposición
Usted está sujeto a la máxima exposición al virus si trabaja al aire libre cuando los mosquitos están activos picando. El amanecer y el atardecer son los momentos más probables para sufrir una picadura de mosquito. En los estados del norte, esto sólo se aplica durante los meses de verano, pero en los estados del sur, los mosquitos están activos todo el año. Las personas de 50 o más años de edad corren el mayor riesgo de contraer el tipo de enfermedad más grave, la encefalitis del Nilo Occidental.

Protéjase
Usted puede protegerse contra la infección de varias maneras. Si trabaja al aire libre, puede tomar las siguientes medidas de protección para reducir el contacto con los mosquitos:

• Vista camisas de manga larga, pantalones largos y calcetines cuando sea posible.
• Rocíese la piel expuesta con un repelente de insectos
• LEA Y OBSERVE LAS INSTRUCCIONES DE LA ETIQUETA PARA EL USO DEL REPELENTE.
• Use DEET (N-N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) en concentraciones del 35% o menores.
• No aplique repelentes sobre cortaduras, heridas o piel irritada.
• Cuando sea necesario, aplique de nuevo el repelente según las instrucciones en la etiqueta.
• Rocíe la ropa con repelente, como los mosquitos pueden morder por la ropa delgada.
• NO SE APLIQUE repelente debajo de la ropa.
• Lave la ropa tratada antes de usarla de nuevo.

Usted también puede protegerse evitando que los mosquitos se reproduzcan en su área. Elimine todas las fuentes de agua estancada que sea posible, porque los mosquitos depositan sus huevos en el agua estancada. Voltee, cubra o elimine equipos tales como toldos, botes, barriles y carretillas que puedan acumular agua. Haga agujeros de drenaje en los recipientes que no se puedan desechar. Como asunto de rutina, vacíe el agua acumulada en recipientes que recojan agua en los cuales los mosquitos puedan depositar sus huevos.

Más información
Para obtener información más detallada y actualizaciones con nueva información, visite el sitio en Internet de los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (CDC por sus siglas en inglés) en www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.
Si usted tiene alguna inquietud o pregunta sobre la salud, diríjase a su proveedor de atención médica.

Kalb's Q&A for Contractors
By David Kalb, President of Capitol
Services, Inc.
Kalb's Q&A for Contractors

A major change in California contractor licensing is coming. S-l-o-w-l-y. Another contractor helps ‘clear up’ some general rules on partnerships. As we have advised before honesty is the best policy when applying for a contractor’s license…

Q: We have an existing Partnership license; however, my company would like to add me as a new partner. I am a little ‘fuzzy’ on our ability to get my “B” license added to the “A” license. Would this require that we apply for a new partnership? Can I be added as another partner and bring my General Building license in? What are my options?

A: The CSLB will not allow an existing General Partnership to add (or for that matter subtract) a partner. This would change the partnership and require you to apply for a new license. If applying for a new license you have the option of listing as many partners as you wish. As we discussed, these can be entities like a corporation and/or individuals like you. As an individual you must either be designated as a full partner (i.e. ‘Qualifying partner’) or RME (Responsible Managing Employee). As we also discussed, a RME is NOT a partner.

There are exceptions to the above. The CSLB will allow a General Partnership (GP) to replace its RME without being required to apply for a new license. Further, a ‘Limited Partnership’ (LP) can replace the “limited” partner and maintain its existing license.

Q: What’s the latest information on getting a license for a Limited Liability Company (LLC)? I represent an out-of-state LLC who is interested in applying for a CA contractor’s license. I know the new law allows the Contractors Board to issue a LLC license but understand this hasn’t taken place as yet. Can you provide me with an update regarding where this stands? Thank you.

A: I continue to get calls and emails regarding the licensure of Limited Liability Companies (LLC). As referenced in a prior column, last year the State legislature passed and the Governor signed legislation allowing the CSLB to issue a license to a LLC. While the law took effect January 1, 2011, it is not due to be implemented until the end of December (January 1, 2012 at the latest).

Unlike all other contractor licenses, LLC licenses will be required to: 1) maintain a $100,000 surety bond (rather than the normal $12,500 contractors bond); 2) maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $1 million (which is not a current requirement for licensure). According to recently enacted Code Section 7071.6.5, the increased bond requirement is “for the benefit of any employee damaged by his or her employer’s failure to pay wages, interest on wages, or fringe benefits and is intended to serve as an additional safeguard for workers employed by or contracted to work for a Limited Liability Company”.

Q: I’m applying for a new contractor’s license. My Sole Owner license was issued over 20 years ago and I recently incorporated. I see on the application where they’re asking about my criminal background and I’m worried because I had 2 DUI’s when I was in my early 20’s. These are the only incidents in my background but I don’t believe I mentioned this on my first application. I have never had a complaint against my license. Do you think the Contractors Board will hold this against me?

A: I doubt the Contractors Board will hold this against you. According to my discussions with CSLB personnel, yours would not be the first application since 2005 (when fingerprinting was implemented) where a contractor came clean about his past criminal background. If these incidents over 25 years ago are the only ones on your record, you should receive this new license without any difficulty. To paraphrase a familiar line, ‘the truth shall set you free.’

While knowledge is power, knowing where to go for the answers is half the battle. Get expert assistance immediately when you call 866-443-0657, email info@cutredtape.com, or write me at Capitol Services, Inc., 1225 8th St. Ste. 580, Sacramento, CA 95814.

esearch past columns at www.cutredtape.com