Ponding Water and Manufacturer Warranties
Mon, May 29, 2017
Trent Cotney, PA, FRSA LEGAL COUNSEL
Ponding water can be a problem on roof systems and a routine justification for non-payment. Standing water can degrade roof materials, cause the collection of debris and muck and increase the UV degradation by fo... Read More
Getting Paid for Mobilization and Demobilization Costs
Wed, Mar 22, 2017
Trent Cotney, PA
Most disputes in construction arise out of change orders or disputes over extra work. One of the most difficult “extra work” charges for roofers to recover is mobilization and demobilization costs. Often, a roofer may be... Read More
The Slavin Doctrine
Sun, Jan 22, 2017
Trent Cotney, PA
It is not unusual for a roofer to be sued when someone is injured on a project, even if the injury occurs after the project has been accepted. Often, the injured person sues the roofer alleging that his/her injuries were caused by t... Read More
Never Sign an OSHA Witness Statement
Thu, Dec 22, 2016
Trent Cotney, PA
During any OSHA inspection, the Compliance Safety and Health Officer (“CSHO”) will more than likely take witness testimony from crew members that are on site. This CSHO will hand-write the interview answers and ask the e... Read More
What You Should Know About Lien Waivers
Thu, Aug 25, 2016
As a contractor, only two things are ever certain — long hours, and having to chase down the money you’re owed. As for the long, hot work days, there’s really no getting around that. However, part of getting paid involves signing co... Read More
OSHA Confined Space Standard for Construction, Part II
Mon, Apr 25, 2016
Trent Cotney, PA, FRSA LEGAL COUNSEL
This month’s article continues the discussion of OSHA’s new confined space standard. In order to better understand the new standard’s allocation of responsibility, it’s helpful to understa... Read More
OSHA Confined Space Standard for Construction Part I
Fri, Mar 25, 2016
Trent Cotney, PA, FRSA LEGAL COUNSEL
In 2015, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a new confined space standard specifically tailored for construction work. The new standard, subpart AA of 29 CFR 1926, increases protectio... Read More
Chasing Money
Thu, Feb 25, 2016
Trent Cotney, PA, FRSA LEGAL COUNSEL
At some point in your roofing careers, you will face the inevitable problem of a customer not paying you. Depending on the amount owed, it may warrant filing suit and ultimately obtaining a judgment against a cus... Read More
OSHA’S Record-Keeping and Reporting Requirements
Tue, Jan 26, 2016
Trent Cotney, PA
Most roofing contractors are familiar with OSHA’s record-keeping and reporting requirements. Recently, however, OSHA expanded the list of severe injuries and illnesses that employers must report. This is a good opportuni... Read More
Witness Statements and OSHA Inspections
Fri, Dec 25, 2015
Trent Cotney PA ◆ FRSA Legal Counsel
Last month’s article discussed OSHA witness interviews and statements. As discussed, OSHA relies heavily upon witness statements during inspections to issue citations. Unlike a criminal investigation, emplo... Read More
