Carpenters Union launches EyeOnCassidy.org

For Immediate Release
September 8, 2003


UNION TURNS UP HEAT IN FIGHT WITH RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION CONTRACTORS—CARPENTERS LAUNCH WEBSITE ABOUT CONSTRUCTION DEFECTS AND WORKER SAFETY

San Francisco, CA—The Carpenters Union today launched the website EYEonCASSIDY.org to raise concern over construction defects and worker safety at Joe Cassidy Construction, Inc. job sites. The site includes numerous photographs of construction practices that the Union believes warrant investigation, as well as court documents from construction defect lawsuits against the company. Joe Cassidy is Treasurer of the Residential Builders Association (RBA) and Vice-Chair of the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection Board of Examiners.

“In an earthquake, I wouldn’t want to be living at 23rd & Harrison!” says Jay Bradshaw, senior organizer with the Carpenters Union. EYEonCASSIDY.org features photographs of Joe Cassidy Construction, Inc.’s 23rd & Harrison Street job site, where construction is still underway. Issues at the site include the use of unprotected structural steel in a permanent structure. Structural steel is supposed to be protected from fire and corrosion. The improper or incomplete installation of hangers used to support floor joists and rafters also merits investigation.

Construction practices designed to cut corners on materials and labor costs appear to be commonplace at Joe Cassidy Construction, Inc. job sites, even though such practices may not comply with Building and Fire codes. “Building residents should not be exposed to unknown risks caused by construction defects that could potentially affect the design performance of the building. The safety of those who live and work in San Francisco should be everyone’s top concern,” adds Bradshaw.

Lack of fall protection, fire hazards and lack of personal protection equipment like hard hats are just some of the worker safety issues raised by photographs on the EYEonCASSIDY.org website.

The Carpenters Union seeks to ensure that quality construction standards, such as Building and Fire codes, and worker health and safety standards are upheld in the construction industry.