It’s decision time.
Becoming a contractor is a great way to build a business by adding onto your skills to become your own boss. Even when building is in a slow period, homeowners turn to remodeling and upgrading current homes. However, after being licensed in Florida, it is necessary to take 14 hours of continuing education courses. When deciding on a Florida contractor course, it helps to know what each type offers and what would benefit you the most. PDH Contractor Academy offers two useful courses that satisfy this requirement. One is the 12-hour Florida Contractor Essentials course contained in the following six subheadings, and the other is a 2-hour course on the 2014 Advanced Building Code.
Essentials for Contractors in Florida
Knowing the standards for safety practices required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is essential information for contractors. Taking a course in the essentials for Florida contractors covers a wide area of study including safety, workers’ compensation, business practices, Florida law, lead safety and wind mitigation.
Having the correct safety equipment helps avoid injuries.
Safety Techniques
Knowing the most up-to-date safety techniques to prevent work accidents is necessary. From training and safety using nail guns to noise exposure and goggles for laser operations, the latest information can be helpful to avoid accidents on the worksite. Equipment for personal protection must be adequate for the job and workers trained in the use of protective gear and hazard assessment. Other safety features include temporary construction for worker safety such as ladders, stairways and fall protection.
Workers’ Compensation
Knowing the rules and regulations for workers’ compensation in Florida is a necessary part of having a contractor business. Filing forms in the event of a worker injury, knowing how to deal with the insurance company and health care provider are all required information to make the process go smoothly. Failure to comply with workers’ comp regulations can result in a stop order, costing work delays and money.
Business Practices for Contractors
Having a good working knowledge of tax forms, deductions, operating losses and other essential information, such as the different types of corporations is necessary for successful business practices. By knowing what receipts to save and expenditures can be used as tax deductions, a businessman can save a lot of money off the annual tax bill. This can be a boon for contractors who work out of their homes and can take deductions for at-home office expenses.
Rules and Laws in Florida
Rules and laws in Florida include the qualifications needed to practice as a contractor and general information such as start time, down payments and helpful information on the recovery fund. In addition, a contractor must also know about acts that are prohibited and violations and penalties imposed for noncompliance with Florida laws. Violations of the rules imposed by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation can result in stiff fines along with the cost of prosecution, so detailed knowledge in this area is essential.
Techniques for Wind Mitigation
Wind mitigation is a part of Florida statutes meant to address wind damage caused by hurricanes in the state. This covers areas to be considered to make them more windproof and comply with Florida building code standards.
Practices for Lead Safety
Lead exposure can occur during construction projects, especially among welders, plumbers and painters. Lead safety deals with OSHA standards for exposure, how to assess hazards and how to protect workers. It also includes the medical side of lead exposure such as symptoms, testing, medical care and the requirements for an employer with regard to recordkeeping and needed documents.
Keeping Up With Building Code Changes
The second contractor course details the differences in the 2014 Building Code from earlier building codes, offers new definitions and information on the reorganization of mall buildings, institutions and group homes. High rises, open-air garages and sections on the major changes in building heights and fire protection standards are also included, along with a lot more information.
Choose Your Contractor Course
PDH Contractor Academy can help you meet your continuing education courses or help you get started on becoming a licensed contractor. Choose your course and learn the easy way through our online study and testing program. Click here to start course.