News

Legislature Caps Retention Amount at 5% for Many Private Works Projects!

In one of the most significant legislative moves in favor of construction contractors in decades, the Governor signed SB 61 into law on July 14, 2025. For new contracts after January 1, 2026, and with limited exceptions, the new law reduces the amount by which contractors may be forced to help finance private works construction by limiting to 5% the amount that owners, contractors, and subcontractors may withhold from progress payments to subcontractors until the end of the project. Read more. Daniel F.

Safety & Training Short: Cement-Related Skin Irritation Hazards

Objective: To reinforce awareness of the potential skin irritation risks from working with cement.  Cement-Related Skin Irritation Hazards Cement is a major cause of skin irritation. Its lime content (primarily calcium hydroxide) and heat-producing properties when water is added cause skin irritation on contact.   Cement contact with dry skin is likely to crack the skin and may lead to ulcers, reddening, and irritation, collectively referred to as dermatitis. Additionally, frequent contact with cement

Safety & Training Short: Hazard Communication Awareness 2.0

WHAT IS HAZARD COMMUNICATION? The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Hazard Communication standard, also referred to as “HAZCOM,” ensures employees have access to vital safety information about chemicals used in the workplace. It provides employees with the information they have the “right to know” while working with hazardous chemicals.HAZARD COMMUNICATION PROGRAM Your workplace has a hazard communication program available. This program is federally required in all facilities

Summer is Here - Protect Outside Workers from Heat Illness

Summer's here!  The air is rich with the scents of sunscreen, freshly cut grass, and barbecue smoke. You can hear the sounds of splashing water and lively outdoor events, and taste refreshing watermelon and cold drinks.  While leisurely summer days are wonderful, working under the sun is a different story, especially in Northern California, where the heat demands serious attention. Cal/OSHA, the state's occupational safety and health agency, has strict regulations in place to protect workers from heat

Safety & Training Short: Fall Protection - Confined Space Entry Basics

Objective: To reinforce awareness of the potential dangers involved with performing confined space work.  What is a Confined Space? A confined space: Is large enough so that an employee can enter and perform work.Has limited or restricted means for ingress/egress.Can’t be used for continuous employee occupancy.  Certain confined spaces may be more hazardous than others, such as those with hazardous atmospheres, engulfment, entrapment, or asphyxiation hazards, or other serious hazards that could endanger

DB and IPD Contracts: Who is responsible for the design when unforeseen conditions arise and why does it matter?

Published June 19, 2025 Morgan C. Eddy Associate There has been a rise recently in the construction industry in Design-Build (DB) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) contracts. These newer models aim to improve project efficiency, foster collaboration, and reduce costs. With this recent rise, we are seeing an increase in design liability conflicts. Traditionally, construction projects often followed a Design-Bid-Build model (DBB), where the design responsibilities and construction responsibilities were

Alten Construction celebrates 30 years of construction

RICHMOND, Calif. — Alten Construction, a full-service San Francisco Bay Area commercial construction company, recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary and a long standing legacy of quality construction projects and service to the California community.   Last month, Alten Construction hosted a two-part celebration at the Bill and Adele Jonas Center in Novato to commemorate the occasion. The evening began with a special employee recognition from 4 to 6 p.m. that honored the individuals who have helped

Marin Builders Association Members: Save on your Workers' Comp!

The Hidden Risks of Using AI on Construction Projects

Published: May 28, 2025 E. Peyton Aldrich Associate, Atlanta Artificial intelligence (“AI”) is becoming an increasingly common presence in the construction industry. From drafting scopes of work and flagging safety issues to evaluating subcontractors and reviewing contracts, AI is beginning to shape how construction professionals plan, manage, and deliver work. While these tools can make projects more efficient and data-driven, they also introduce legal, contractual, and operational risks that aren’t