State Reaches Settlements Over Job Site Allegations

HARTFORD — Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, announced February 17 that he has signed Assurances of Voluntary Compliances with three contractors which the department alleges employed unlicensed and unregistered workers to do work requiring an occupational license.

“Our occupational inspectors are always investigating complaints and inspecting job sites to ensure that contractors hold the proper credentials to do highly skilled work, that they are employing properly licensed employees and properly registered apprentices, and that permits have been issued for the work they are doing,” Mr Farrell said.

“Unskilled workers cannot do skilled work without putting themselves, their co-workers, and their customers at risk,” he added. “Employing unlicensed and unregistered occupational workers is clearly illegal because it puts public health and safety in jeopardy.”

The department licenses a wide variety of occupations and trades, particularly those involved in building construction, such as plumbers, electricians, heating and cooling, and sheet metal workers. License applicants must have the necessary educational and vocational training, undertake an extensive licensing exam to ensure competency, and complete periodic continuing education related to occupational, building and other construction codes.

From 2006 to 2008, the agency launched separate investigations into work on the Crown Street Garage project in New Haven by Camsan, Inc, of Stamford; work on Shelton High School by DC Electric, Inc of Hamden; and work done at the Buckland Hills Mall by Tradewinds Mechanical Services, LLC of Exeter, N.H.

The investigations were based on separate outside written complaints alleging job site violations by each company. Allegations included failure to maintain the legally required ratio of apprentices to journeypersons, use of unlicensed and unregistered people to perform electrical work, and use of unlicensed and unregistered people to perform heating, cooling, piping, and sheet metal work.

After completion of the department’s investigation, each company — Camsan, Inc, DC Electric, Inc, and Tradewinds Mechanical Services, LLC — voluntarily signed a document agreeing:

*To not employ anyone without one to perform any occupational work in Connecticut that requires a license or apprenticeship registration;

*To not start work until applicable permits are obtained;

*To not perform occupational licensed work beyond the scope of their license; and

*To not engage in unethical business practices.

*To provide proper job site ratios for registered apprentices on the job;

*To perform all occupational work to current state and municipal code standards; and

*To display contractor license numbers in all print ads, vehicles, and business stationery;

“These assurances are not considered an admission of guilt or liability,” Mr Farrell said. “However, the signers are voluntarily assuring the department of their compliance with the appropriate statutes and regulations.”

In addition to signing the legal statement of assurance, Camsan, Inc paid an offer in settlement of $5,500; DC Electric, Inc paid an offer in settlement of $7,500, and Tradewinds Mechanical Services, LLC paid an offer in settlement of $11,000.