Thursday, June 25, 2009
Study finds construction violations in Austin, TX
Most construction jobs in Austin, TX, have violated federal and state regulations, according to a new study that examined construction working conditions in the second-fastest growing urban area in the country.
The study, Building Austin, Building Injustice (.pdf file), was released this month from the Austin-based Workers Defense Project, a nonprofit community organization that promotes improved working conditions for the city's low-wage workers.
The study surveyed construction workers, interviewed workers and industry leaders, and examined government data. Results showed 64 percent of surveyed workers lacked basic health and safety training; 47 percent of residential construction workers had to provide their own hard hats; and the majority lacked health insurance, pensions, sick days or vacation days.