Joe, Great job on this blog. I am looking forward to hearing from those in the construction industry on this change.

Joe, 
 
I think safety training should definitely be tied to construction supervisors licenses. Safety is stressed with excavation and utility contractors and, of course, electricians. I see many safety concerns at residential construction/remodeling projects and no one seems to care. It would be nice to see some regulation concerning the safety of all of those workers.

Hello Joe, 
 
 
 
Yes it's true, contractors are now required to take continuing education to maintain their certification. It will be interesting to see how this is enforced by officials. Building inspectors have alot going on and may be too busy or apathetic to enforce the new rules. Commercial contractors will likely have programs like this in place through associations and industry best practice management and are always training their people. However, the residential industry doesn't have the same level of best practice adherence to rules and regulations. The residential industry is filled with a lot of small craftsman who have relied on their own street smart abilities. Many of these guys have little or no formal business training and are challenged in this new economy. Their is little formal training in this country for residential contractors. Most training is done through underfunded Builder Associations and material suppliers. Probably one of the best training associations is NARI. (National Association of the Remodeling Industry). Many small contractors have told me this is just another way to raise fees. The established and open minded contractors I speak with are seeing this as an opportunity to differentiate themselves from the contractor who won't bother with the new rule. Now contractors who follow the rules can tell homeowners that they are a company committed to safety and education of their employees. The Next Level Consumer will welcome The Next Level Contractor who is committed to best practices in the industry. Hopefully the small contractors will decide to educate themselves. It will only make them better and safer. They also will attract the best employees. The Next Level Consumer will soon find out about the certification and will require it to bid on a job. Small contractors who ignore the rule will ultimately find it hard to do business legally, may have a hard time getting permits, and also may jeapordize their insurance. Great post Joe. 
 
 
 
Mark Paskell 
 
The Contractor Coaching Partnership  
 

Kevin, 
 
 
 
I couldn't agree more. I spent many years in residential construction and saw first hand some scary practices. I think this is a step in the right direction.

Mark, 
 
 
 
Thank you for the comment. You are so right on. I can see this working out to create a safer workplace as well as a new and "greener" job site. 
 
Thanks again for you input.