ASSIGNMENT NO 2

SUBMITTED BY: MUHAMMAD HASHIR RANA

REG NO: FA19-CVE-029
COURSE: PROFESSIONAL ETHICS

QUESTION
MALPRACTICES IN CONSTRUCTION AND POLICIES TO AVOID?
ANSWER

It’s unfortunate that some builders and contractors fail to follow building codes and other
standards during construction. If you’re a homeowner, you put your trust in a contractor to
follow a certain standard and do a job that lasts.

Construction negligence can also affect condominium associations, commercial property

owners, and home owners associations. If you hired someone to do a job, and they failed
to exercise a reasonable degree of care or skill leading to a construction accident, then you
may be entitled to damages.

To better understand construction negligence and whether you’ve been wronged by

defective construction, learn more about the law and what you can do to make it right

Common Examples Of Construction Negligence

 A builder or contractor installs a stucco finish on a residential property but did not follow
building codes or standards. The stucco fails, the property suffers rainwater or moisture intrusion,
subsequently rotting the wood frame and resulting in other damages. The contractor or builder
may be liable for damages.
 An architect gives inaccurate information to a contractor for digging a trench. The contractor
starts to dig but damages a water pipe. As a result, a neighbor’s property floods. Because it’s the
architect’s duty to give accurate information, the architect may be legally responsible for the
flood.
 During the construction of a house, a contractor builds a defective foundation. The original
homeowner later sells the house to a new owner. This new owner discovers structural issues that
are just coming to light.
 Even though the contractor had a contract with the original owner, the contractor may still be
liable to the new owner for poor workmanship and compromising the integrity of the structure.

Other examples of negligence in construction may include:

  reckless behavior
 equipment accidents
 failing to obtain necessary permits
 taking shortcuts to cut costs on material and labor
 construction defects
TO AVOID MALPRACTICES IN CONTRUCTION
1. Provide safety training for all employees.
Employers should educate employees on all workplace safety standards and the hazards that they may
face while on the job. Workers need to review the health and safety policies for each job they are called to
do. The written safety policy should include procedure and the name and location of a trained first aid
responder. Employees should not operate any equipment they are not qualified or trained to use.

2. Hold frequent crew safety meetings.

At some workplaces these meetings should be held daily, for example, if high-risk work is being done.
Employees should be reminded to stay focused and relevant issues should be addressed. Real-life factual
and job specific safety information tends to be more motivating for workers.

3. Utilize protective clothing and gear.

Workers should always wear the recommended safety equipment for their jobs. This may be a hard hat,
high-visibility clothing, goggles, gloves, steel-toed shoes, or a protective suit. In the summer, outdoor
workers need wide brim hard hats, nape protectors, and long sleeve-lightweight shirts to protect them
from the sun’s rays.

4. Keep the workspace clean.

Keeping work areas clean and free of debris will lessen the chances of construction worker injuries and
help prevent worksite accidents such as slips, trips, and falls. Employees should store tools and materials
when finished with a job. Walkways should be kept clear of debris to prevent accidents that include slips
and falls.

5. Maintain the equipment and tools.

Before using a piece of equipment or machinery, workers must ensure it is in proper working order.
Tools and machinery should be kept on a regular inspection schedule. Workers have been known to get
trapped in or under heavy equipment that was not working properly. Broken parts and malfunctioning
gear can also cause serious injuries and deaths.
 6. Prevent falls.
Falls are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. It is important that workers are
protected from falls on the job. The installation of fall protection systems can protect construction
workers. These systems should consist of such items as guardrails, toe boards, screens, canopy structures
or nets. Scaffolding can prevent falls, but must be installed properly to make sure it is constructed well
enough to hold the intended weight load. After it is put up, scaffolding must be inspected regularly.

7. Recognize the hazards and make a plan.

Before any project starts, the site should be inspected for any unusual hazards. A risk assessment can
protect workers’ health and safety. After completing the risk assessment, a list of preventive measures
should be made and implemented. It is important to ensure that all workers receive appropriate
information, education, and training.

8. Be careful with vehicles.

Many fatal accidents on work sites involve vehicles. Defensive driving, parking and backing should be
practiced.

9. Use equipment in the manner prescribed.

If construction tools or equipment is used in ways for which it is not designed, the manufacturer’s built in
safety features can no longer be relied on. Misusing equipment may also damage the equipment and cause
employee injuries. The equipment itself should meet OSHA standards.

10. Follow OSHA guidelines and report any dangerous working conditions.
Employers and employees who cut corners on the procedures and rules of OSHA increase the risks for
construction site injuries. Any incidents or violations of OSHA regulations should be recorded and
reported for the safety of all involved.