What’s New
On August 9th, Time Out reported on a new NYC plan rolling out which “aims to provide more housing by allowing homeowners of one- or two-family homes to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties… These ADUs can be backyard cottages and basement apartments measuring up to 800 square feet with separate entrances—and would still fit within building and zoning codes”. Please feel free to Contact Us with any questions you may have on how this or any other codes or regulations may impact any projects or properties you may have or be contemplating.
Recent Projects
- Forensic engineering evaluation of a New York City construction site accident involving a worker who fell through an opening in the floor in violation of Labor Law Sections 200, 240(1), and 241(6), as well as various supporting provisions of Industrial Code Rule Sections 12 NYCRR 23
- Civil engineering consultation regarding structural failure concerns at a single family home located in Rockland County, NY
- Forensic engineering evaluation of a New York City construction site accident involving a worker who was injured due to improper lifting and securing of a beam which fell due to inappropriate attachment points without proper rigging and lifting equipment in violation of Labor Law Sections 200, 240(1), and 241(6), as well as various supporting provisions of Industrial Code Rule Sections 12 NYCRR 23
OSHA’s walkaround rule raises questions of liability, safety
On August 15th Construction Dive reported that “OSHA’s new employee walkaround rule has raised a lot of questions…The final rule went into effect on May 31, allowing employees to select a third-party representative to be present during OSHA inspections. The agency has touted the change as a way to improve inspections by increasing worker representation and making it easier for compliance officers to obtain more information about workplace safety…But not everyone is happy with the rule. Opponents and employer groups have described it as vague, and say that adding more people to inspections raises questions about safety, liability and confidentiality”.
Andrew R. Yarmus, P.E., F.NSPE, as an OSHA certified Forensic Engineering consultant, and as a Past Chair of the National Society of Professional Engineers PE’s in Construction Interest Group, has helped to facilitate discussions between Professional Engineers across the country on important matters such as safety in both industry and construction. As a licensed Professional Engineer, State Certified Code Enforcement Official, and OSHA certified professional, Mr. Yarmus is credentialed to consult on site safety and incident investigation matters. Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to consult with business owners, operations managers, property managers, real estate developers, builders, attorneys, contractors, insurance professionals, adjusters, and other related parties regarding site safety issues. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding this new regulation or any other such site safety related matters.
The Importance of Reserve Studies in Home Construction Planning
On August 23rd Professional Constructor Central linked to a Civiconcepts post which opines “whether you’re part of a Homeowners Association (HOA) board or just a curious homeowner, you know that meticulous planning is crucial”. This certainly applies to property managers, property owners, and other entities responsible for the ownership and maintenance of properties. The posting then goes on to delve into how reserve studies fit into the grand scheme of property ownership, maintenance, budgeting, and planning, and opines that “these studies are indispensable for your construction planning and budgeting, ensuring your community thrives without unexpected financial surprises”.
Yarmus Engineering, P.C. is available to consult with property owners, those involved in the purchase or sale of properties, property managers, contractors, inspectors, and other related parties regarding the inspection, repair, maintenance, and construction of their buildings. Please contact our office if we can be of assistance to you or your clients regarding such matters.