DCP Inspectors Find Night Construction Sites In Compliance

HARTFORD — Unannounced, second- and third-shift visits by Department of Consumer Protection Occupational License Inspectors were undertaken last week at four locations, Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr, announced this week.

Commissioner Farrell reported this morning that though these particular inspections did not find any unlicensed trades people, the construction site inspections — whatever time of day or night — will continue.

“We are out doing these surprise inspections at all hours with the goal of ensuring that contractors hold the proper credential to do highly skilled work, that they are properly employing their staff, and that permits have been issued for the work that they are engaged in.”

The Department of Consumer Protection licenses a wide variety of occupations and trades, particularly those involved in building construction, such as plumbers, electricians, and sheet metal workers.

“From various parts of the state, we get reports that there are unskilled workers doing skilled work — workers, for instance, without an electrician’s license, installing electrical wiring,” Commissioner Farrell said.

The State of Connecticut licenses many trades by ensuring that applicants seeking a license have the requisite educational and vocational training, undertake an extensive licensing exam to ensure competency, and complete periodic continuing education related to building and other construction codes.

 “Our occupational licensing laws are in place to ensure that any constructed space that human beings will occupy, whether it be their home, an office building, or a commercial space, is built competently, correctly, and in accordance with state and local laws,” Commissioner Farrell said. “The use of unlicensed workers may be a cheap way to do things, but it is clearly illegal because it puts public health and safety in jeopardy.”

Contractors throughout the state should expect random site inspections to continue. Commissioner Farrell emphasized, “Contractors must abide by all licensing laws; this is a matter of public safety and we will continue to search out noncomplainant contractors.”

Commissioner Farrell reported that DCP inspectors methodically went through all workers found at the four sites and checked for license and apprenticeship cards, verifying those cards against department records. The credentials of dozens of workers at the four sites were inspected. The sites visited were:

*Norton Elementary School, North Brooksvale Road, Cheshire

*New CVS Pharmacy construction site at 905 South Main Street, Cheshire

*A&P Super Food Store, 1025 West Main Street, Branford

*Stop & Shop Super Food Store, 22 Leetes Island Road, Branford

“Though no violations were found, it is important for our inspectors to be out there checking, especially at odd times when contractors are going to think there is no chance of a surprise inspection,” Commissioner Farrell said.