Before setting up a construction site, you’ll need to do a little research. There are a number of interesting laws that apply specifically to construction sites, and if you neglect these laws your company could be fined significantly. Here are some of the unique laws you should be aware of.

Don’t Steal the Grease!

Grease, the yellow cooking grease used in restaurants, is a hot commodity in North Carolina apparently. In fact, stealing over $1,000 of this stuff from a restaurant is a felony in the state. Hopefully this one doesn’t apply to your construction crew, but if they are tempted, remind them of the law.

No Neon Sign

If you are building a property in Florida, make sure you don’t invest in a neon sign. Signs using exposed neon tubes are not permitted in the state, regardless of the type of business or building you’re constructing.

Construction-Specific Liability

The construction industry, by its very nature, is filled with injury risks. Construction site operators have a legal requirement to provide a safe place for their workers to do their jobs, and this includes taking measures to insist on safe standards and practices. If the company fails to follow these requirements, and an employee is injured on the construction site, they may be guilty of negligence.

Interestingly, an employee’s own behaviors can be considered negligence if the company did not provide adequate instruction or protection. For instance, if the company didn’t teach proper use of safety equipment, and an employee is injured as a result, the company may be liable.

Workplace Safety Posters

Most companies know they have to put up workplace safety and employment equality posters in their offices, but when the “office” is multiple construction sites, where do these posters get hung? Construction companies can have their employees report to a central office location or hang the posters at each individual job site, but the law requires a reasonable effort to be made to ensure all employees can see the posters.

From the seemingly silly laws about grease and signs to the serious laws about safety and posters, knowing the laws that apply to construction sites is critical to protecting your employees and your jobsite.