contractor liability News

OSHA: Waterproofing Contractor’s Safety Failures Led to Worker’s Crushing Death

A federal workplace safety investigation has found the operator of three Massachusetts waterproofing contracting companies could have prevented an employee from suffering fatal injuries in February 2024 when part of a foundation broke and fell on the worker in a …

Construction Defects Are Not Covered Property Damage in Commercial Liability Policy

A home builder is not covered under the property damage coverage in its commercial liability policy for construction defects for which it was responsible. A three-judge panel of the Massachusetts Appeals Court has held for the first time that “construction …

OSHA Cites Construction Company in Deadly Idaho Airport Hangar Collapse

Federal safety investigators cited a construction company in the deadly collapse of an Idaho airport hangar, saying it exercised a “blatant disregard” for federal safety standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed nearly $200,000 in penalties for Big D …

Jury Awards $68.5M to Family of Worker Who Fell to Death at Philly Construction Site

A Philadelphia jury has awarded $68.5 million in damages to the widow and son of a 38-year-old construction worker who was killed in 2021 in a fall from a fifth-floor balcony at a luxury townhouse site. Siarhei Marhunou’s widow, Hanna, …

Texas Contractor Faces $257K Fine After Teenager’s Death in Trench Collapse

A Houston, Texas-area contractor is facing more than a quarter million dollars in fines after a federal investigation found the company’s willful regard for required safety procedures contributed to a teenager’s death when a a 15-foot trench wall collapsed on …

Massachusetts High Court Revives Contractor Liability Claim Over ‘Half Inch’ Defect

Whether a half-inch granite protrusion on a crosswalk under repair is sufficient to support a negligent claim is a matter for a jury to decide, not a court granting summary judgment for a contractor doing work for a municipality. Furthermore, …

3 Massachusetts Firms to Pay $325K Over Asbestos Work at State University

A Waltham-based construction contractor, Devens-based plumbing contractor, and Woburn-based demolition company will pay up to $325,000 in civil penalties to settle allegations of illegal asbestos work during a renovation project at Fitchburg State University (FSU) in the spring and summer …

Berkley Forms Excess Liability Unit for Contractors; Names Starr’s Robinson President

W.R. Berkley Corp. announced the formation of Berkley Construction Solutions to provide excess liability insurance for contractors throughout the construction industry. Andrew Robinson has been named president of the new business, effective immediately. He is based in Newton, Mass. Robinson …

Washington Company Penalized for Asbestos and Lead Safety Violations

A Bellingham, Wash.-based property management company has been cited by the Washington Department of Labor & Industries for multiple serious safety and health violations, most of which involve improper handling of asbestos and lead. As a result of the violations, …

After Solar System Fires, Walmart Sues Tesla for ‘Widespread Negligence’

Walmart Inc. on Tuesday sued Tesla Inc., accusing it of “widespread negligence” that led to repeated fires of its solar systems and asking a court to force Tesla to remove solar panels from more than 240 of its U.S. stores. …