Biden Executive Orders Mandates Vaccines for Federal Contractors
On September 9, 2021, the Biden Administration issued an Executive Order “Ensuring Adequate COVID Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors.” While the details are not entirely clear, it appears that in the next few weeks, federal contractors will have to provide evidence of vaccination of their employees working on federal projects. [...]
Just say no to drugs? How Iowa law requires extraordinary efforts by employers to enforce a drug testing policy
The illegal use of drugs by employees presents a host of issues for employers – from safety to work place errors to morale. A well thought out and written drug testing policy has been a key tool in an employer’s tool box to manage its workforce and to prevent potentially [...]
Material Costs Continue to Rise—What’s a Contractor to do?
While COVID has made the past year wild and unpredictable, this summer could be even wilder with rapidly escalating material costs. Lumber prices have tripled, steel prices are through the roof and PVC has doubled. These increases can turn into real numbers on your projects and if you don’t have [...]
How Should You Respond to An Accident on the Jobsite?
If you have ever experienced a serious accident on the jobsite, you know it can be an incredibly stressful experience. Having a plan in place setting forth how you expect employees to respond will help your company respond competently and quickly to an accident. Here are a few things to [...]
Contractors Do NOT Have to Record Vaccine Reactions
On May 21, 2021, OSHA reversed course on employer-required COVID-19 vaccinations, no longer requiring employers to record vaccine reactions. This is a great step forward for employers and is supported by both industry groups and labor unions. As you may recall, last February OSHA originally mandated that if an employer [...]
Another Reason Not to Act As Your Own General Contractor
The Nebraska Supreme Court recently issued an important opinion concerning the statute of limitations for a homeowners bringing claims against contractors. When an owner acts as his own builder or general contractor, he must file a lawsuit against a subcontractor within four years of the subcontractor completing its work, not [...]
About the Blog
The Midwest Construction Contractor Advisor was created to offer legal discussion and encourage the use of social media in the construction industry.
Craig F. Martin
Editor and Author