Hawaii Green Building Law

Safety issues are not specifically referenced in LEED. Volkswagen, however, is emphasizing worker safety in the development of a new plant in Chattanooga, which it expects to attain LEED certification.

Every person setting foot on the Volkswagen construction site for business purposes must go through a safety orientation. Volkswagen’s safety rules reportedly go beyond those prescribed by OSHA.

Once on site, workers continue safety training, reviewing a job hazard analysis daily to prevent mistakes, getting together three times a day to share safety-related observations and learning about recycling. Workers must score 100% on a quiz at the end of their safety orientation, in order to work on the job site. So far 488 workers have passed the orientation program.

Although LEED credits are not awarded for the implementation of safety training programs under the current version of LEED, safety training is an integral part of developing a skilled green collar workforce. Substandard work conditions and inadequate safety training can lead to adverse publicity, as in the matter of the roofers alleging unsafe working conditions while installing the Target Center’s green roof.

In addition, accidents can increase the costs of construction and cause delays. If not addressed properly in the construction contract, a contractor could face liability for delays in project completion.

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