Sureties have several methods by which they can address a performance bond claim, an attorney said. Among those options are denying the claim, taking over the project or selecting another contractor to finish the project, he said.

A Belgian credit insurance company has created a blockchain-based platform for surety bonds. The company said the platform leads to better security, authentication and integrity "for principals, beneficiaries and brokers alike."

Construction firm Suffolk's RiskX software program has received the Building Trades Employers' Association's Safety Innovation Award. The program aims to improve worksite safety by monitoring and analyzing risk data provided by workers.

OSHA administered 33,401 inspections during the 2019 fiscal year, setting a new record at the federal level in the process. The organization also identified 137,885 workplace hazards through its no-cost on-site consultations.

A final affidavit document lets a property owner know that a contractor is seeking final payment. A contractor's final affidavit, which is typically accompanied with the lien, must contain the name of the owner and the contractor, a statement of completion and the outstanding amount due to the contractor.

Rules set down by OSHA mandate that first aid be available quickly in all work settings, and failure to ensure workplace plans meet these criteria can put employers at risk of liability when injuries occur. Analyzing hazards at each worksite and creating written guidelines for first aid procedures can help shield employers from liability while creating safer workplaces.

Artificial intelligence can be beneficial to contractors, but can also lead to civil liability, intellectual property and privacy issues if used incorrectly, writes Angela Gismondi. Companies can use AI to analyze safety risks, monitor equipment and perform other tasks, but should avoid the use of AI for sensitive decision-making tasks such as hiring, she writes.

Project scope changes are the biggest cause of construction conflicts in multiple sectors, according to an HKA report. While digital technology is not a silver bullet, it could help companies improve communication and limit disputes in the future, the report states.

AGC Member Firms Can Apply for Grants Between Now and January 10, 2020.

AGC of America and Autodesk are launching a new, $75,000 grant program to help member firms provide safety harnesses for women. The grant program is designed to help firms attract more women into the construction profession while continuing to meet the highest levels of workplace safety. As part of that effort, winning firms will be selected based on their ability to leverage relatively small grant awards to attract more women and provide them with appropriately sized safety harnesses. AGC is accepting applications until January 10, 2020. Click here to learn more about the grant program and apply.