Contractors

A contractor is a very general work term however when we speak of a contractor, we are referring to contractors in the construction industry. Contractors in the construction industry fall into two categories: general contractors and subcontractors. The first category, general contractors, organize and direct a construction job such as a renovation or new development. General contractors coordinate all subcontractors on a jobsite and report directly to the site or job owner. General contractors are responsible for choosing the methods and materials used on a job and making sure that all installations and construction happens in a timely and effective manner. This group of contractors can be contracted for work in multiple industries and across multiple types of structures. General contract work is seen in residential construction, commercial buildings, industrial work, and government installations. While the contract work might vary, the work description of a general contractor stays relatively constant.

Subcontractors for the most part are responsible for an individual trade on a job site. Any trade that works on a job site and handles one specific job on a site can be considered a subcontractor on a job. The trades that can be considered subcontractor work include framing and carpentry work, plumbing, electrical, masonry, and mechanical work such as heating and air conditioning. A subcontractor is generally hired by the general contractor. The general contractor and subcontractor form an agreement in regard to which materials will be used on the job and a project schedule so that anticipated job commencement and completion dates exist.

All construction contractors can potentially be exposed to asbestos on a job site. For the most part of the 20^th century, asbestos was used in the manufacturing of building materials for its heat resistant and insulating properties. At one time or another, many building materials spanning across most of the industry contained asbestos in its production. Building materials from roofing products to plumbing components to coatings and compounds contained asbestos in past manufacturing. This large amount of asbestos containing building products puts the majority of contractors on a job site at risk of an asbestos exposure. When asbestos containing building materials are installed, removed, or disturbed in any way, it can cause asbestos fibers to be released into the air which could be inadvertently inhaled by the contractor. Another exposure possibility could come from the asbestos dust being caught in the clothing of the contractor and transported to other people including family and friends.

Obviously, precautions and safety measures should be taken when contractors are aware that they are working with asbestos containing products. However, the big problem is that in most cases, contractors are unaware when working with these products. This is when the biggest chance of exposure to asbestos can occur.

Asbestos, the contaminant causing mesothelioma and asbestosis, has been known to be exposed to general contractors and subcontractors alike. Contractors across the country and the world have brought litigation for asbestos exposure to the manufacturers of the asbestos containing products and the job site owners. In 2001, an insulation contractor was awarded over $8 million dollars after being exposed on a California job site owned by a New Jersey oil company. Besides litigation, government agencies have also stepped up the stranglehold on those manufacturers and owners that continue to use asbestos products and put their contractors and employees at risk of asbestos exposure. Towards the end of the 20^th century, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration put in place the OSHA asbestos standard. This piece of legislation requires all employers and building owners to put in place proper precautions for its workers to be safe from asbestos in the work environment. However, to this day, building owners and employers will still look to cut corners in its safety regulations in the interest of decreasing time and expenses. This leaves the chance of an asbestos exposure for contractors still a reality in the workplace. Contractors must be aware of these issues. Contractors must make sure they rely on themselves to put in place proper safety precautions when working around potentially asbestos containing products. For those contractors that may have already been exposed to asbestos, they must make sure to seek the appropriate medical attention and understand their legal rights for their situation.