Main Types of Regulations in Construction Industry
There are many different types of regulations that apply to the construction industry. Whether they are federal, state or local, each of these regulations can have a significant impact on your business.
Regulations often set out a specific set of requirements that must be met by all parties involved in the process. Having a clear understanding of how each piece fits together can help you avoid unnecessary costs and delays.
1. Occupational Safety and Health Act
Regulations are a fact of business life. They are a powerful enforcement force and can be incredibly threatening for companies that fail to comply with them.
The main type of regulations in the construction industry is the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH). This law is a major source of federal legislation on workplace safety and health.
Congress passed the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to ensure that employers provide their workers a safe and healthy working environment. This Act created OSHA, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor that enforces standards in all 50 states.
The act was a result of a series of workplace accidents, including the 1968 James Watt Street fire in Glasgow that killed 22 factory workers. It was also prompted by Congress’s concern that a large number of workplace injuries and illnesses were caused by standard work practices.
2. Building Regulations
Whether it’s the design of new buildings or extensions, building regulations set minimum standards for health and safety, welfare, convenience, energy-efficiency and sustainability. These are enforced by local authorities and can have a dramatic effect on your construction project.
For example, you might not have to submit a planning permission application to a local authority if your project complies with the Building Regulations. However, you will still have to pay a fee relative to the cost of the work.
Another important reason for regular code updates is to spur innovation that creates better products and stimulates economic development in the United States. Without updates to model codes, American suppliers may be pushed further behind their international competitors and fall into a long-term slump.
Up-to-date codes also provide market intelligence for domestic manufacturers and suppliers that informs their investments in new product development. They can also accelerate the recovery of the building sector by meeting consumer demand for improved energy efficiency and greener construction practices.
3. Health and Safety at Work Act
The Health and Safety at Work Act is a piece of legislation that regulates the way employers protect their workers from injury and illness. It requires businesses to make sure they have a safe work environment and to train employees on how to follow safety rules.
Despite this, workers still suffer a disproportionate share of injuries and fatalities. In fact, one worker dies every day in the United States from workplace accidents.
As a result, construction companies are required to ensure that their workers are protected from injuries. They must also make sure that their worksite is safe for everyone who passes by or lives nearby.
4. Environmental Protection Act
Environmental laws are designed to balance the needs of humans and the natural environment. They include the Clean Water Act and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The EPA regulates air pollution and emissions to help protect human health and the environment. It also sets standards for wastewater quality to prevent contaminants from reaching streams, lakes and oceans.
Another EPA law, the Clean Air Act, limits the amount of greenhouse gases that refineries and energy producers produce. The agency also requires companies to use environmentally friendly paints and sealants that do not pollute the environment.
The Environmental Protection Act is one of the most important regulations that impact the construction industry. It is designed to ensure that the risks associated with construction activities are properly managed so that those who are involved in the project can live safe and healthy lives. It also helps contractors understand the requirements that they must adhere to in order to avoid penalties and delays.
