Construction Workers: Carpooling To Work, Safe?

Construction workers are in high demand, with a labour shortage expected to continue for years. This means that construction workers can command high wages and good benefits, including travel allowances. However, there is some confusion over what constitutes compensable travel time. According to the US Department of Labor, travel time within the scope of a worker's employment should be counted as hours worked and therefore compensated. This includes travel between job sites during the workday and travel to a different city for a one-day assignment. However, an employee's regular commute from home to work is generally not considered compensable. To avoid disputes, employers should be clear about their travel time policies and ensure they are complying with state regulations.

Travel time pay

In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) established federal minimum wage and overtime requirements for hourly employees. However, the FLSA does not define when an employee is at "work", which has made compliance with the FLSA on issues such as employee travel time problematic for many employers.

The Portal-to-Portal Act, an amendment to the FLSA, provides that employee work time does not include:

• Travel to and from the actual place of performance of the principal activity the employee is employed to perform.
• Activities that are undertaken before or after the employee’s principal work activity.

In general, employees do not have to be compensated for their regular commute. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if an employee is called back to work after their regular workday is over and has to travel an inordinately long way to respond to a work-related emergency after normal work hours, that time may be classified as hours worked.

Another exception is when an employee has to travel between different workplaces during the same workday. In this case, the time it takes the employee to get from one workplace to another is considered work time and must be compensated. This includes the time it takes to get from a central meeting place to a final work location.

Additionally, if an employee is required to travel to a different city for a one-day assignment and then return home the same day, they should be compensated for the time spent traveling.

When it comes to construction workers specifically, the US Department of Labor has stated that time spent by an employee in travel as part of their principal activity, such as travel from job site to job site during the workday, is work time and must be counted as hours worked. This means that construction workers should be paid for any travel time that is within the scope of their work. For example, if a construction worker is required to report to company headquarters before traveling to a work site, the time it takes to get from one location to the other is considered work time.

In most states, employers have the flexibility to determine how much they pay for travel time. This means that an employer can pay a different hourly rate for travel time than they do for other working hours. However, it is important to note that the rate for travel time cannot be lower than the minimum wage.

To accurately track travel time pay, construction companies can use GPS time clock apps, which can help capture travel routes, time, and mileage.

Tax refunds

Construction workers can be owed a significant amount of money in tax rebates, with the average claim in the UK being £3,000. PAYE construction workers can claim a tax rebate on a number of expenses, including:

• Travel to different sites: If you drive to a temporary site in your own vehicle, you can claim mileage on your fuel, and if you get public transport, you can claim back the tax on ticket costs.
• Subsistence: You are entitled to claim back expenses for your meals while travelling for work (also known as subsistence costs) and any accommodation costs you incur. These costs have a set limit.
• Maintenance: You can claim back tax on maintenance and repairs for tools, equipment, or a uniform, as long as it is related to a specific job and is necessarily incurred as an expense.
• Profession-related expenses: You can claim back expenses for things like trade union fees or magazine subscriptions.

In the UK, you can backdate claims for anything within the last four years. To make a claim, you will need to provide:

• A list of the sites you've worked on and when you worked on them.
• Monthly payslips for each of the tax years your claim covers.
• Supporting documents such as photo ID, proof of address, MOT certificates for your mileage claim, and receipts for your work expenses.

It is recommended that you use a specialised service to help you with your tax rebate claim, as they can ensure that your claim is maximised and that you remain compliant with tax regulations.

Housing

In the United States, companies like Apartment & Corporate Relocation Services (ACRS) offer fully furnished, short-term rentals for construction crews and contractors. These rentals can accommodate individuals or entire crews, with options ranging from one- to three-bedroom apartments. ACRS also handles utilities, cable, internet, furniture, and housewares, providing a hassle-free experience for construction companies.

Another option is to utilise services that cater specifically to travelling professionals, such as Zeus Living. Zeus Living offers studios, apartments, and homes that are pet and family-friendly, fully equipped, and conveniently located. They cater to a variety of professionals, including remote workers, travel nurses, and construction workers, providing a comfortable and reliable housing experience.

For those in the medical field, Select Corporate Housing offers a tailored solution. They understand the demands of healthcare workers and provide quiet communities, consolidated billing, and convenient locations to ensure a restful environment away from work.

In India, the construction sector is a significant employer, and labour laws entitle migrant construction workers to housing, minimum wages, overtime payments, and weekly days off. However, the implementation of these laws has been inadequate, and migrant workers often face inhumane working and living conditions. There have been suggestions to utilise funds collected through construction cess to provide rental accommodation for these vulnerable workers.

Overall, finding suitable housing for construction workers is crucial for ensuring their well-being and productivity. By offering comfortable and convenient temporary housing options, companies can create a positive work environment, even for projects that require travel to remote locations.

Benefits of the job

Construction workers are well-compensated, earning an average of $33,000 per year or $16 per hour. The pay can vary depending on the worker's location and the type of projects they work on, with some earning around $4,000 a month and others making $2,000 a month.

The construction industry offers diverse opportunities for career development and skill enhancement. Workers can explore various construction training programs and employment options within this constantly expanding field. Additionally, they can expand their skill sets and knowledge bases, which will be advantageous regardless of their specific career paths.

Construction workers have the flexibility to travel and seek better job opportunities. While many construction positions are seasonal, workers are not limited to a specific location and can move to find more lucrative or stable work. They can also choose to work as general contractors, allowing them to be their own bosses and have greater control over their work environment and schedule.

Construction workers have access to cutting-edge technologies that are revolutionizing the industry. These technologies aim to enhance safety, productivity, and efficiency on construction sites. Examples include construction robots, augmented reality, drones, and 3D printing, which are being utilized to automate routine tasks and improve overall site management.

The construction industry provides a range of educational pathways for aspiring workers. After high school, individuals can choose to attend a two-year college program or participate in apprenticeship programs to gain the necessary skills for construction work. Those interested in becoming construction managers may opt for a four-year Bachelor's degree, which offers a more comprehensive education but at a higher cost.

Shortage of workers

The construction industry is facing a labour shortage, with 78% of construction companies struggling to hire workers. This issue is particularly prominent in California, where the construction industry is experiencing a deficit of workers, which is contributing to increased building costs. The labour shortage in California is a result of the state's rapid tech sector growth and the influx of new residents. The high cost of living in California, coupled with the lack of affordable housing, also discourages workers from taking on construction jobs in the state.

The construction labour shortage is not unique to California, however, and the industry as a whole is projected to see an 11% increase in employment opportunities between 2016 and 2026, equivalent to 747,600 new jobs. This increase in demand for construction workers is partly due to the retirement of older workers, with more than 1 in 5 construction workers being 55 or older. Additionally, there has been a general lack of public education and exposure to construction and trades, with only 3% of 18-25-year-olds expressing interest in pursuing a career in construction. This has resulted in a shortage of skilled tradespeople such as electricians and plumbers.

The construction industry is taking steps to address the labour shortage by working with the government to implement new state legislation that provides minimum pay, benefits, and training for construction workers. Immigration reform that allows skilled workers to enter the US legally could also help alleviate the labour squeeze. Additionally, companies outside of the union are investing in training and promoting construction as a viable career option to secure future talent.

The labour shortage in the construction industry has led to increased project timelines and costs. By understanding the landscape, promoting construction as a viable career, and investing in training, contractors can help ensure that their projects are completed on time and within budget.

Frequently asked questions