TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator John A. Girgenti, to require that all construction bid proposals include traffic safety requirements so that estimates for the project are more accurate, was approved by the full Senate today.
“Anyone looking to have construction work done needs to be made aware of the potential hazards at or around a construction site,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Bergen and Passaic. “Sometimes the contractors directly pay uniformed police officers to be present during the project, but the plans need to specifically note what safety controls will be at the owner’s expense. Proper safety should always be the priority on every construction site, and this measure will help buyers know the safety issues and the cost that they will need to consider, when choosing their contractors.”
The bill, S-641, would require that all plans, specifications and bid proposal documents include a line item that reasonably estimates the total cost of traffic control personnel, vehicles, equipment, administrative, or any other costs associated with the safety requirements.
“The presence of police officers at a construction site has significantly helped increase safety, but the cost of having officers on hand does add up,” said Senator Girgenti. “There should never be a price put on safety, but we must make sure that the cost associated with it is clearly expressed.”
The bill now heads to the Assembly for consideration.