Booby Traps for Young Engineers on Construction

The Architect-Engineer’s participation in construction contract administration requires an understanding of the problems shared with the contractor. A mutual recognition and acceptance of the division of responsibility is essential the A-E for design and inspection, the contractor for construction procedures and safety. The degree of responsibility must be compatible with the contractual obligations of the parties. The A-E representative must not interfere with nor participate in the contractor’s work to avoid assuming responsibility or liability for claims by third parties. A case is cited as an example: an A-E was held for personal injury because he failed to stop work; later it was reversed on the ground that the cause was a matter of construction practice not under the A-E’s control. Also described is the effect of the right to stop work on potential liability.