Construction Law

10 Signs of a Bad Subcontractor Part 5 featured image

10 Signs of a Bad Subcontractor Part 5

Although it’s never a completely avoidable scenario, you should always perform your due diligence and do your best to avoid getting stuck in a contract with a subcontractor that negatively impacts your project. In sections one, two, three, and four, the Brandon construction attorneys at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants covered all kinds of bad subcontractors including unlicensed ones, ones that embellish their experience, perform inadequate work, or fail to comply with their contract. In this section, a Brandon construction attorney will discuss three nightmare scenarios for a general contractor: subcontractors who ignore safety guidelines, steal from the jobsite, or violate a zero-tolerance policy.

7. They Don’t Respect Safety Guidelines

Every contractor knows that it’s critical to remain in compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) rules and regulations. If you receive an OSHA citation or a hazard is reported on your jobsite, this can significantly impact your financial situation and destroy the reputation of your business. Subcontractors who fail to follow safety guidelines are a serious concern for construction sites and present a ton of liability issues for contractors. If unsafe work practices are occurring and a subcontractor is at fault, this behavior needs to be corrected immediately before it impacts your business.

8. They’re Under the Influence of Drugs

It’s important that contractors understand that we live during an era where prescription drug use has skyrocketed. Unfortunately, with long hours and a lot of chronic pain issues, some irresponsible subcontractors will take their habit into the workplace. Because there’s an alarming number of construction workers that have fallen victim to the opioid crisis, jobsites need to be aware of the signs of a person under the influence of drugs. Adopting a zero-tolerance policy is critical as drug use poses a safety risk to everyone on your jobsite.

9. They Steal From the Workplace

The construction industry has a bit of a damaged reputation when it comes to issues with theft. It’s far too common that employees steal from the company that is writing their paycheck. Theft can occur in a variety of ways. For example, it can be as petty and short sighted as a worker walking off with a hammer or as calculated as a subcontractor deliberately over ordering supplies to utilize on their next job. General contractors need to monitor supplies when they are delivered to the site and verify purchase orders.

For more information on signs of a bad subcontractor, please read section six.  

If you would like to speak with a Brandon construction lawyer, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.