Masonry Magazine August 1999 Page. 45
PMPL insurance. Subcontractors are not included in this mutual waiver because they are not named insureds under the PMPL policy and no coverage is available under the policy for subcontractors. The subs benefit by not having to add additional insured endorsements to their CGL and by not indemnifying up-tier entities in contract language for vicarious liability and failure to supervise to the extent coverage is provided by the PMPL. PMPL limits are required to be at least as high as the limits required on the general contractor's general liability policy. Higher limits may be appropriate when considering large, complex projects involving many subcontractors.
Article 10 of the A201 contains additional protection for the contractor and subcontractors through required indemnification by the owner for damages from existing or hazardous materials required in the performance of the work.
Clearly, subcontractors are better off in project risk allocation under the terms of A201(1997 ed.) than previous versions and industry common practice. The PMPL insurance policy was developed and is available through CNA, which has filed new forms in most states. Many other carriers offering general liability to contractors have taken a "wait-and-see" attitude to determining whether the industry will require PMPL policies in great numbers.
Copies of the A201 are available for purchase from the Mason Contractors Association of America. Call our office at 800 536 2225 for more information.
Richard Usher is managing member and CEO of Hill & Usher Insurance & Surety, Phoenix, Ariz, and Government Relations Chairman of ASA of Greater Phoenix. He may be reached at (602) 956-4220.
This is Part I of two parts and was reprinted with the permission of the American Subcontractors Association.
FYI
The Masonry Society, along with the Structural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Concrete Institute, has announced the publication of the Masonry Standards Joint Committee (MSJC) 1999 Building Code and Specification for Masonry Structures (ACI 530/ASCE 5/TMS 402 and ACI 530.1/ASCES/TMS 602). Earlier editions of this Code and Specification have been the basis of design and minimum construction requirements for large areas of the United States as it was referenced by the Model Building Codes for the design and construction of masonry. Likewise. this 1999 version has already been referenced by the draft International Building Code (IBC). and it will therefore be required throughout the United States once the IBC is adopted.
Copies of the MSJC Code and Specification can be ordered from The Mason Contractors Association of America for $85.00 retail or $63.75 for MCAA members.
Construction Activity
# in May Slips 2 Percent
New York, N.Y. June 29, 1999- New construction contracts in May were reported at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $379.6 billion, down 2 percent from the previous month, according to the F.W. Dodge Division of The McGraw-Hill Companies. Housing continued to settle back from its superlative performance of several months ago, while nonresidential building was essentially flat. Offsetting much of the loss of momentum for housing was a heightened amount of nonbuilding construction (public works and utilities).
Residential building in May fell 8 percent to $170.8 billion. This was due to a 5 percent drop in the value of single family starts, combined with 25 percent retrenchment by the multifamily side of the market after an especially strong April. Since reaching its most recent peak in January, single family housing has fallen 12 percent, although May still came in 2 percent above the same month a year ago.
President's Message
Continued from page 7
symposium attend most of the SHOW'S social events to increase access to influential designers.
Spotlighting the nation's exceptional masonry projects is the International Excellence in Masonry Award Program. Each year contractors & architects from around the nation enter projects to be judged in select categories. While all projects are on display at the SHOW, the award program is an entertaining celebration to unveil & celebrate the winners.
Spouse Activities
Don't leave your spouse home alone. Of course, your spouse or guest is included in all the networking and social events such as our Opening Session Breakfast, Featured Speaker Luncheon, Welcome Reception and Farewell Banquets.
During "official" contractor business we plan a special program for our spouse & guests to enjoy. Each year, a solid spouse program is prepared to encompass highlights of the Host City. Spending the day among new friends at exciting events is a great way to experience the city. In fact most years, our spouse programs are so exciting, that we have a hard time keeping the contractors from not participating.
We've made attending easy. Our registration packet explains every program that is offered at THE MASONRY SHOW. You can sign up for as few or as many of the activities as you choose.