RRP enforcement is well underway for contractors and landlords in Massachusetts. Every month we check the Mass website to follow up on the RRP enforcement activities of the Division of Labor Standards. Last year the DLS said they would enforce the RRP Law even though they do not have a lot of resources to do so. It appears that they are following through on their statements.

Mass RRP (Department of Labor and Standards) and Office of Consumer and Business Regulation (OCABR) have joined forces by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This means that they will pool resources and work together to promote awareness and compliance with each others requirements.

Remodeling activity is on the rise says Kermit Baker of Harvard Housing. In the LIRA report released this week key indicators point to a significant rise in remodeling activity. The report states that we will finish 2012 strong and there is a forecast for double-digit growth in 2013.

EPA RRP enforcement inspectors manned a booth at the Remodeling Show in Baltimore this week. Dave Merrick (Chairman of Government Affairs for NARI) and I spoke with them about their role in enforcing the EPA RRP Law.

Contractors' can employ effective marketing strategies even though they do not have a website. Most marketing experts recommend that all companies build a website but what about those who flat out refuse to do so? 

A roofing contractor was recently observed working in Spencer, Mass without OSHA compliant fall protection. The pictures were sent to me by a remodeler from the area who recently took our OSHA Fall Protection training course. The pictures were taken and posted on a blog by a homeowner who lived across the street. The link is below to see all 30 pictures posted by the homeowner.

OSHA Fall Protection compliance has been extended again. Residential contractors have again been given a temporary reprieve to fully comply with the directive issued in December of 2010. However, contractors need to make sure they know the facts in the extensions. Many will be lulled into thinking they are all set because leeway has been granted.

Massachusetts contractors are avoiding the RRP requirement to become a Lead Safe Renovation Contractor (Certified Firm). The chief reason is the OSHA Lead in Construction requirements written into the Mass RRP Law 454 CMR 22.00. This OSHA Standard requires compliance with medical monitoring and respiratory protection provisions. Proof that contractors are avoiding the law is apparent in the number of firms on the Mass Lead Safe Renovation List. To date there after two years there are approximately 3100 Massachusetts companies who have applied for and received their license to legally work on pre-1978 properties in the state. In comparison as of July 2010 there are over 4000 Mass EPA Certified Firms. In our Lead in Construction Trainings workshops contractors are often unaware of the OSHA Standard that has been around for years.

RRP fines in Massachusetts are posted monthly by the Department of Labor Standards on the state website. Contractors, landlords, trades, property management firms, and any entity who offers to work or works on pre-1978 residential properties and child occupied facilities must be certified. Other important criteria is: