Stop Work Orders
What is a Stop Work Order?
Imagine you're building a house. Everything is going smoothly—until suddenly, all work stops. A Stop Work Order (SWO) is a legal order that halts all labor on a construction site. These orders are typically issued when there are serious violations, such as missing insurance, unsafe working conditions, or no permits pulled.
Why Are Stop Work Orders Issued?
Stop Work Orders are meant to protect workers, property owners, and the public. They are often issued when contractors do not have the required workers’ compensation insurance, unsafe working conditions put people at risk, or violations of state laws, building regulations, or local ordinances.
Who Issues Stop Work Orders?
Agencies like the state board of licensing and jurisdictions of record have the authority to issue Stop Work Orders when a contractor is not following regulations. For example, the state licensing agency can stop work if a contractor fails to provide workers’ compensation insurance, or a local jurisdiction can issue a stop work order if there is work being done without a permit.
How Does a Stop Work Order Affect You?
If a Stop Work Order is placed on your project, all laborers and work must stop immediately. Work can only resume once the contractor corrects the issue, typically by correcting the issue and/or proving compliance. Ignoring a Stop Work Order can lead to serious consequences, including fines and further legal actions such as license suspension.
How Can a Stop Work Order Be Lifted?
To lift a Stop Work Order, the contractor must first correct the issue and pay any fines.
What Can Property Owners Do?
To avoid delays and legal headaches, property owners should always hire licensed and insured contractors. Verifying a contractor’s credentials before starting a project and ensuring all permits and insurance policies are in place can help prevent complications.
Prevention is Key
A Stop Work Order isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle—it’s a safeguard for everyone involved. Property owners should take proactive steps to ensure their projects comply with all regulations. Hiring reputable contractors and verifying their compliance can save time, money, and stress in the long run.
How Can Permit Pushers Help Me with a Stop Work Order?
Permit Pushers knows who to contact and how to resolve issues such as stop work orders. These issues can often be corrected with the correct permit, the correct information, sometimes with engineering, all of which Permit Pushers can assist with. Contact us today!