Artificial intelligence or AI is causing significant disruption in the construction industry and our world. However, in the context of construction law, contracts, and risk management, the abbreviation “AI” refers (first and foremost and for purposes of this article) to additional insured (AI). Obtaining coverage as an additional insured is part of the foundation for insurance coverage and legal defense against claims in construction. AI status allows upstream parties to access downstream parties’ insurance coverage directly and request that the insurance carrier provide a defense. This article highlights the importance of appropriately tailoring AI coverage obligations in your contracts and how the ConsensusDocs and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) standard construction contract documents handle this issue differently.

Agencies may delay permits until changes are final

AGC of America is now accepting speaking proposals for the Construction Safety & Health Conference taking place January 10-12, 2024, in Newport Beach, CA. This event is designed for emerging to senior-level management professionals who work in any of the commercial construction markets. All educational sessions should be targeted towards these attendees and should involve topics that reflect current and emerging issues in construction safety, health, and/or the environment.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking input on the use of leading indicators in order to develop a resource that shares best practices to improve workplace safety and health. Leading indicators are proactive, preventive measures that can provide insight on the effectiveness of safety and health activities, improve identification/elimination/control of risks, and reduce incidents and injuries. Examples of leading indicators include, number of employees trained in hazard identification, percentage of trainings completed, etc.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has notified the Small Business Administration (SBA) that it intends to convene a Small Business Advocacy Review (SBAR) panel, also known as a “SBREFA” panel, on a possible heat standard in the next sixty (60) days - on or about August 21, 2023.