When a construction worker is injured while building, renovating, repairing, roofing, painting, rewiring, or extending a house in the Philippines, liability is not determined by one simple question like “Whose property is this?” The more important questions are: Who hired the worker? Who paid him? Who controlled the work? Who supplied the tools, scaffolding, harnesses, and safety instructions? Was there a contractor, foreman, subcontractor, or direct-hire arrangement? In many residential projects, more than one person or entity may be responsible at the same time: the direct employer, the contractor, the subcontractor, the project owner or homeowner, and sometimes the person actually supervising the work.

The Short Answer: Liability Depends on the Relationship and the Cause of the Injury

In a residential construction accident, the injured worker may have several possible remedies:

Employees’ Compensation benefits through the SSS or GSIS system, if the injury arose out of and in the course of employment.
DOLE occupational safety and health enforcement, if the accident involved unsafe work conditions, lack of PPE, lack of safety program, unsafe scaffolding, electrical hazards, or similar violations.
Civil damages against a negligent person or entity, such as a contractor, homeowner, project manager, foreman, engineer, architect, or subcontractor.
Criminal complaint if the injury or death resulted from reckless or grossly negligent acts, such as knowingly allowing workers to use defective scaffolding or exposed live wires.

Under Republic Act No. 11058, the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law, the employer, project owner, general contractor, contractor, subcontractor, and any person who manages, controls, or supervises the work may be jointly and solidarily liable for compliance with occupational safety and health requirements. “Joint and solidary” means the worker may be able to proceed against any of the liable parties for the full obligation, subject to that party’s right to seek reimbursement from others if appropriate. (Lawphil)

For ordinary readers, the practical rule is this: the contractor is usually the first party responsible, but a homeowner can also become liable if the homeowner directly hired the worker, controlled the work, ignored obvious hazards, hired an unqualified “pakyaw” crew, or failed to comply with construction safety obligations as project owner.

Why Residential Construction Accidents Are Legally Complicated

Residential projects in the Philippines often operate informally. A homeowner may hire a “foreman” recommended by a neighbor. The foreman brings carpenters and masons. Workers may be paid weekly in cash. There may be no written contract, no SSS registration, no building permit displayed, no approved Construction Safety and Health Program, and no written accident report.

That informality does not automatically remove liability.

Philippine labor and civil law look at the real facts, not just the labels used by the parties. Calling someone a “pakyaw worker,” “independent contractor,” “helper,” “extra,” or “on-call mason” does not end the inquiry. The usual test for an employer-employee relationship looks at: selection and engagement of the worker, payment of wages, power of dismissal, and power of control over the worker’s conduct. The Supreme Court has recognized this four-fold test in labor cases involving the determination of employment relationships. (Supreme Court E-Library)

This matters because an injured worker’s rights can change depending on whether he was:

directly hired by the homeowner;
employed by a licensed construction company;
supplied by a foreman or labor-only contractor;
employed by a subcontractor;
hired as a skilled independent contractor; or
merely helping informally without a true employment arrangement.

Who May Be Liable When a Worker Is Injured?

Possible liable party	When liability commonly arises	Practical example
Direct employer	The person or company hired, paid, supervised, and controlled the worker	A contractor hired a mason and ordered him to work on a scaffold without guardrails
Homeowner or project owner	The owner directly hired workers, controlled the work, supplied unsafe equipment, ignored known dangers, or managed the project	The homeowner personally instructed workers to continue roofing during heavy rain without harnesses
General contractor	The contractor was responsible for the whole project site and safety program	A house contractor failed to provide PPE and allowed unsafe electrical work
Subcontractor	The injured worker belonged to a subcontractor’s team	The electrical subcontractor failed to de-energize wires before work
Foreman or site supervisor	The foreman controlled daily work and ignored obvious safety risks	A foreman ordered a laborer to remove formworks too early
Engineer or architect	Liability may arise from negligent design, supervision, or unsafe instructions	A supervising professional approved unsafe temporary works or structural procedures
Equipment owner/operator	Defective or negligently operated equipment caused the injury	A rented mixer, hoist, grinder, or ladder failed due to poor maintenance
Another worker	Another worker’s negligent act caused injury, with possible employer liability	A worker dropped materials from height without warning or barricades

The legal theory may differ depending on the claim. For OSH compliance, RA 11058 expressly includes the project owner, employer, general contractor, contractor, subcontractor, and persons who manage, control, or supervise the work. (Lawphil) For civil damages, the injured worker usually needs to show fault or negligence under the Civil Code. For Employees’ Compensation, the claim is generally processed independently of whether the employer was at fault. (Lawphil)

Key Philippine Laws That Apply

Occupational Safety and Health Law: RA 11058

RA 11058 applies to establishments, projects, sites, and places where work is being undertaken. The law defines an employer broadly to include a principal employer, contractor, or subcontractor who directly or indirectly benefits from the services of the employee. It also treats a workplace as a site where workers need to be because of their work and which is under the direct or indirect control of the employer. (Lawphil)

For construction projects, this is important because a residential site is still a worksite when workers are building, repairing, or renovating.

RA 11058 requires employers, contractors, subcontractors, and persons managing or supervising work to:

provide a workplace free from hazardous conditions likely to cause death, illness, or physical harm;
give job safety instructions or orientation, especially to first-time workers;
inform workers of hazards and emergency steps;
use approved devices and equipment;
comply with OSH standards, including PPE and machine guards;
allow workers to participate in safety and health programs; and
provide measures for emergencies and accidents, including first-aid arrangements. (Lawphil)

Workers also have rights under RA 11058, including the right to know workplace hazards, the right to refuse unsafe work in an imminent danger situation, the right to report accidents and hazards, and the right to PPE when required. (Lawphil)

DOLE Construction Safety Rules

Construction work has its own safety rules under DOLE Department Order No. 13, Series of 1998, which applies to construction industry operations including general building construction, engineering construction, specialty trade construction, and demolition works. It requires every construction project to have a suitable Construction Safety and Health Program. (Supreme Court E-Library)

For construction sites, DOLE rules specifically require safety measures such as:

a Construction Safety and Health Program;
PPE at the employer’s expense;
safety harnesses and lifelines for workers exposed to dangerous falls from unguarded surfaces six meters or more above the ground or water;
safety personnel;
first-aid or emergency health personnel depending on the number of workers;
daily toolbox or similar safety meetings;
construction safety training; and
monthly construction safety and health reports for general constructors. (Supreme Court E-Library)

In cases of dangerous occurrence or major accident resulting in death or permanent total disability, DOLE Department Order No. 13 requires the concerned employer to initially notify the DOLE Regional Office within 24 hours from the occurrence. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Employees’ Compensation Program

The Employees’ Compensation Program is a government program that provides benefits to private sector employees and their dependents in case of work-related sickness, injury, or death. Private sector workers who are compulsory SSS members are covered, and coverage for employees starts on the first day of employment. (Social Security System)

For an injury to be compensable, it must result from an accident arising out of and in the course of employment. Benefits may include loss-of-income benefits, medical services, rehabilitation services, carers’ allowance, disability benefits, death benefits, and funeral benefits. EC claims generally must be filed within three years from the incident, injury, or death. (Employees' Compensation Commission)

This is often the most immediate source of financial help for the injured worker or family. However, many residential construction workers are not properly registered or reported by their employer. That does not automatically defeat the claim, but it often creates practical delays because SSS, DOLE, or the ECC may need documents proving employment and work connection.

Civil Code Liability for Negligence

If the injury was caused by negligence, the injured worker may have a civil claim for damages. Article 2176 of the Civil Code provides that a person who, by act or omission, causes damage to another through fault or negligence is obliged to pay for the damage done. (Lawphil)

Article 2180 also makes certain persons liable for acts of people for whom they are responsible. It includes employers for damages caused by employees acting within the scope of assigned tasks, even if the employers are not engaged in business or industry. (Lawphil)

This is significant in home projects. A homeowner who is truly an employer may face liability for negligent acts of workers within the scope of assigned tasks. A contractor may also be liable for unsafe supervision, defective equipment, or failure to implement safety measures.

Civil Code Liability of Engineers, Architects, and Contractors

If the injury is connected to structural collapse, defective plans, defective construction, inferior materials, or unsafe supervision, Article 1723 of the Civil Code may become relevant. It states that the engineer or architect who prepared plans and specifications may be liable if the structure collapses within 15 years from completion due to defects in plans, specifications, or ground conditions; the contractor may also be liable for defects in construction, inferior materials, or violation of the contract. If the engineer or architect supervised the construction, the law provides for solidary liability with the contractor in appropriate cases. (Lawphil)

Article 1723 is more commonly discussed after building collapse or structural failure, but it can matter in serious residential accidents involving formworks, shoring, beams, slabs, excavation, retaining walls, or unsafe structural methods.

Criminal Liability for Reckless Imprudence

If a worker is seriously injured or killed because someone acted with inexcusable lack of precaution, a criminal complaint for reckless imprudence under Article 365 of the Revised Penal Code may be considered. Article 365 punishes imprudence or negligence depending on the gravity of the resulting harm. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Examples may include:

ordering workers to continue dangerous roof work without harnesses despite obvious risk;
using visibly defective scaffolding;
failing to shut off electrical supply before electrical work;
allowing workers into an unsupported excavation;
operating a hoist, grinder, cutter, or heavy equipment recklessly; or
ignoring a prior warning from workers about an imminent danger.

Criminal liability is personal. It usually focuses on the person whose negligent act or omission caused the injury or death. Civil liability may also be claimed in connection with the criminal case, subject to procedural rules.

Common Residential Construction Scenarios

Scenario 1: The homeowner hired a licensed contractor

If the homeowner hired a legitimate construction company with its own workers, tools, supervision, safety officer, and project control, the contractor is usually the first party responsible for the worker’s employment, safety implementation, SSS/EC reporting, and day-to-day site practices.

But the homeowner is not automatically free from responsibility. The homeowner may still face liability if he or she:

interfered with the work in an unsafe way;
supplied defective equipment;
insisted on unsafe shortcuts;
allowed work despite known hazards;
failed to secure required permits or safety documentation where applicable; or
acted as the person managing, controlling, or supervising the work.

Under RA 11058, the project owner is expressly included in joint and solidary liability for OSH compliance. (Lawphil)

Scenario 2: The homeowner directly hired workers

This is common in house repairs, extensions, roofing, tile work, painting, and fence construction. If the homeowner personally selected the workers, paid them daily or weekly, gave instructions, controlled the schedule, bought materials, and could dismiss them, the homeowner may be treated as the employer.

In that case, the homeowner may be responsible for:

safe working conditions;
proper tools and PPE;
SSS and EC compliance, where applicable;
emergency response;
labor standards obligations; and
civil liability if negligence caused the injury.

A “small home project” is not a magic shield. A residential worksite can still be a workplace.

Scenario 3: A foreman brought the crew

Many homeowners say, “I did not hire the workers; I hired the foreman.” That may or may not be enough.

If the foreman is a legitimate independent contractor with business registration, capital, tools, control over workers, ability to hire and fire, and real responsibility for the project, the foreman or contractor may be the employer.

But if the foreman merely supplied labor and the homeowner controlled the work, bought all tools and materials, paid wages, and gave daily instructions, the arrangement may look like direct employment or labor-only contracting in substance.

The issue is factual. Written contracts help, but actual practice matters more.

Scenario 4: Worker was injured because of unsafe scaffolding

This is one of the most common residential construction accidents. Liability may point to the contractor, foreman, site supervisor, equipment owner, or homeowner depending on who provided, assembled, inspected, and approved the scaffold.

Relevant facts include:

Was the scaffold stable and properly braced?
Were there guardrails, planks, toe boards, or access ladders?
Was the worker trained?
Was a harness required?
Who ordered the worker to climb?
Was the defect obvious before the accident?
Did anyone complain before the fall?

A fall from height is usually treated seriously because construction rules specifically require fall protection in dangerous elevated work. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Scenario 5: Worker was injured by electricity

Electrical accidents often involve overlapping liability. The responsible party may be the electrician, electrical subcontractor, foreman, general contractor, homeowner, or another person who energized the line.

Important evidence includes:

photos of wiring and breaker panels;
whether power was shut off;
who had access to the breaker;
whether the injured worker was qualified to do electrical work;
whether proper insulated tools and PPE were provided;
whether the work required a licensed electrical professional; and
whether the homeowner or contractor allowed unsafe temporary wiring.

Scenario 6: Worker was injured while the owner was abroad

Many OFWs and foreign owners manage Philippine residential projects remotely through relatives, caretakers, or project managers. Being abroad does not automatically remove liability if the owner is still the project owner, employer, or person controlling the work through an agent.

For owners abroad, documents signed overseas may need notarization and, depending on the country, apostille or consular authentication before use in the Philippines. A Special Power of Attorney is commonly used when a relative or representative must deal with the contractor, barangay, LGU, DOLE, SSS, hospital, or court.

What an Injured Worker or Family Should Do

1. Get medical treatment immediately

The first priority is emergency care. Keep all:

hospital records;
emergency room notes;
medical certificates;
doctor’s findings;
X-ray, CT scan, MRI, laboratory, and operative reports;
prescriptions;
official receipts;
rehabilitation records; and
photos of injuries.

These documents are needed for SSS/EC claims, insurance claims, civil damages, and possible criminal or DOLE proceedings.

2. Document the accident scene

As soon as safely possible, preserve evidence:

photos and videos of the area;
scaffolding, ladder, roof, excavation, wire, machine, or tool involved;
PPE actually provided or not provided;
location of warning signs;
names of workers present;
names of the foreman, contractor, engineer, architect, or homeowner representative;
chat messages giving instructions;
payroll records, attendance sheets, or payment logs;
construction contract, quotation, or receipts;
building permit or lack of visible permit; and
CCTV footage, if any.

In many cases, the accident scene changes quickly. Scaffolds are dismantled, wires are repaired, debris is removed, and workers are told not to talk. Early documentation can make or break the case.

3. Identify the true employer and site controller

Ask these factual questions:

Who recruited the worker?
Who agreed on the daily wage or pakyaw amount?
Who paid the worker?
Who gave daily instructions?
Who supplied tools and PPE?
Who could remove the worker from the project?
Who controlled working hours?
Who handled SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, or payroll?
Who had the construction contract with the homeowner?
Who was the site safety officer or foreman?

These facts help determine whether the claim should be directed first to the contractor, homeowner, foreman, subcontractor, or multiple parties.

4. Report the accident

For serious injuries, death, or permanent disability, the employer has accident reporting obligations. Workers and representatives also have the right to report accidents and hazards to DOLE and other competent government agencies. (Lawphil)

Practical reporting options may include:

the contractor or employer;
DOLE Regional, Provincial, Field, or Satellite Office with jurisdiction over the project site;
SSS branch for EC claims if private sector;
barangay or police, especially for serious injury, death, assault, or medico-legal concerns;
Office of the Building Official, if unsafe construction or permit issues are involved; and
the local city or municipal engineering office, depending on the situation.

5. File the Employees’ Compensation claim

For private sector construction workers, EC claims are generally filed with SSS. The ECC states that EC claims may be filed at the SSS branch nearest the place of work or residence for private sector employees. (Employees' Compensation Commission)

Common documents include:

Claim type	Common documents
Injury or sickness	EC accident/sickness report, medical certificate, hospital records, employer logbook entry, proof of employment, valid IDs
Medical reimbursement	EC medical reimbursement forms, official receipts, clinical records, accident report, proof of approved EC sickness/accident/disability claim
Disability	Disability claim forms, medical certificate, diagnostic results, employment records
Death	Death certificate, proof of relationship of beneficiaries, report of death, employment records, funeral receipts, IDs

SSS forms include the EC Accident/Sickness Report and EC Medical Reimbursement Benefit Application. The SSS page on EC benefits lists EC medical reimbursement documents such as the employer logbook page, accident report, ID, and supporting records. (Social Security System)

6. Consider civil or criminal proceedings if negligence is involved

Employees’ Compensation is not always enough, especially where the injury causes permanent disability, loss of earning capacity, long-term medical needs, or death. A separate civil damages claim may be available if negligence can be proven.

However, the Supreme Court in Oceanmarine Resources Corporation v. Nedic clarified an important point: Article 1711 of the Civil Code can no longer be used as the basis for an employer’s automatic compensation liability for work-related injury or death after the finality of that decision. The Court explained that work-related compensation is now governed by the Labor Code’s Employees’ Compensation system, while damages based on negligence must be pursued under the Civil Code’s tort provisions. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

The Court also recognized that workers or heirs may choose between compensation under the Labor Code and damages under the Civil Code, but choosing one remedy may waive the other, subject to exceptions such as ignorance, mistake of fact, or supervening developments. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Government Offices Commonly Involved

Office or agency	Role in construction injury cases	Practical notes
Hospital or attending physician	Medical treatment and documentation	Request complete medical abstract, diagnosis, receipts, and prognosis
SSS	EC claims for private sector workers	Claims should be filed within three years from injury, sickness, or death
ECC	Policy and appeals related to Employees’ Compensation	If SSS denies the claim, reconsideration and appeal routes may be available
DOLE Regional Office	OSH inspection, compliance orders, accident reports	DOLE may inspect workplaces and issue work stoppage orders for imminent danger
Barangay	Initial record, mediation for some disputes, local incident documentation	Serious injury or criminal matters should not be treated as mere barangay compromise issues
Police or prosecutor	Criminal investigation for reckless imprudence or other offenses	Important for death, serious injuries, electrocution, falls, or suspected cover-up
Office of the Building Official	Building permit, stop-work orders, unsafe construction issues	Building Officials may inspect and stop work contrary to the National Building Code
Regular courts	Civil damages and criminal cases	Docket fees and timelines depend on claim amount and case type

Under the National Building Code, the Building Official is responsible for enforcing the Code in the locality, issuing building permits, inspecting buildings or premises, and ordering work stopped when work is contrary to the Code. (Supreme Court E-Library)

Timelines and Deadlines to Watch

Matter	Usual deadline or timing	Why it matters
Emergency medical care	Immediately	Medical records prove the injury and causation
DOLE notice for death or permanent total disability under construction safety rules	Initial notice by concerned employer within 24 hours	Late or missing reports may indicate noncompliance
EC claim	Generally within 3 years from injury, sickness, or death	Missing the period may defeat the claim
Civil action based on quasi-delict	Generally 4 years from injury	Article 1146 of the Civil Code covers actions based on injury to rights or quasi-delict
Civil action based on written contract	Generally 10 years from accrual	Relevant if the claim is contract-based
Criminal complaint	Depends on offense and penalty	Serious injuries and death should be documented immediately

The Civil Code provides a four-year period for actions based on injury to rights or quasi-delict, and a ten-year period for actions based on a written contract. (Lawphil)

Practical Documents to Gather

For the injured worker or family, the strongest cases usually have both medical proof and worksite proof.

Medical documents

Medical certificate
Hospital abstract
Operative report, if surgery was done
Diagnostic results
Prescriptions
Rehabilitation plan
Official receipts
Disability assessment
Death certificate, if applicable
Funeral receipts, if applicable

Employment and work connection documents

Employment contract, if any
Payroll, payslips, GCash transfers, bank transfers, or handwritten wage lists
Text messages or Facebook Messenger/Viber instructions
Attendance logs
ID, uniform, company shirt, or work pass
Photos of the worker at the site before the accident
Names and numbers of co-workers
Foreman or contractor details
SSS number and contribution records

Site and safety documents

Photos of the accident scene
Photos of scaffolding, ladders, tools, wires, machinery, or roof area
Building permit
Construction contract or quotation
Construction Safety and Health Program, if any
PPE issuance records
Toolbox meeting records
Accident report
Police or barangay blotter
DOLE inspection or compliance documents
CCTV footage

Common Mistakes That Hurt Workers’ Claims

Accepting a small cash settlement too early

After an accident, a contractor or homeowner may offer money for hospital bills in exchange for a handwritten quitclaim. This can be risky if the worker later needs surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care.

A serious injury may involve future costs such as:

follow-up surgery;
implants or hardware removal;
physical therapy;
lost wages;
permanent disability;
transport expenses;
caregiver expenses; and
reduced future earning capacity.

Failing to document employment

Many construction workers are paid in cash. Without records, the employer may later deny the relationship. Workers should preserve proof such as messages, photos, witness names, wage records, and any document showing they were working at the site.

Treating the case as only a barangay dispute

Barangay settlement may help with immediate reimbursement, but serious workplace injuries often involve SSS/EC, DOLE, civil damages, and possibly criminal liability. A barangay agreement should not accidentally waive important rights without a clear understanding of the consequences.

Assuming the homeowner is always liable

A homeowner is not automatically liable for every injury just because the accident happened on the property. If a legitimate contractor controlled the work and the homeowner did not interfere, the contractor may be primarily responsible. But the homeowner may still be implicated under OSH rules as project owner or if the homeowner managed, controlled, or supervised the unsafe work.

Assuming the contractor alone is always liable

The opposite mistake is also common. A homeowner who directly hires workers, controls their tasks, supplies unsafe tools, or orders risky work cannot simply point to a “foreman” and walk away from responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the homeowner liable if a construction worker is injured while building a house?

Possibly. The homeowner may be liable if he or she directly hired or controlled the worker, supplied unsafe equipment, ignored known dangers, acted as project manager, or otherwise managed or supervised the work. Even when a contractor exists, RA 11058 includes the project owner among those who may be jointly and solidarily liable for OSH compliance. (Lawphil)

Is the contractor automatically liable for a worker’s injury?

Not automatically for all damages, but the contractor is usually a primary responsible party if the worker is the contractor’s employee and the injury happened in the course of construction work. For Employees’ Compensation, fault is not the main issue. For civil damages, negligence must usually be proven.

What if the worker was hired “pakyaw”?

“Pakyaw” means payment by agreed output or project, but it does not automatically mean the worker has no rights. The real issue is control. If the homeowner or foreman controlled how, when, and where the worker performed the job, an employment relationship may still be found depending on the facts.

Can an injured construction worker claim SSS Employees’ Compensation benefits?

Yes, if the worker is covered and the injury arose out of and in the course of employment. Private sector workers are generally covered through SSS, and EC claims are generally filed within three years. (Social Security System)

What if the employer did not register the worker with SSS?

The lack of proper SSS reporting creates practical problems, but it does not erase the facts of employment. The worker should gather proof of employment, wages, work assignment, and the accident. DOLE and SSS records may also be relevant in determining compliance failures.

Can the worker sue even after receiving EC benefits?

The Supreme Court has clarified that compensation under the Labor Code and damages under the Civil Code are distinct remedies, but choosing one may waive the other, subject to recognized exceptions. This issue is sensitive because it affects strategy and possible recovery. (Supreme Court of the Philippines)

Can the homeowner be criminally charged if the worker dies?

A criminal complaint may be possible if the death was caused by reckless or negligent acts or omissions attributable to the homeowner or another person. For example, knowingly ordering work under obviously dangerous conditions may support a reckless imprudence theory if causation is proven.

Does a building permit affect liability?

Yes, but indirectly. A building permit does not guarantee that the site is safe, and lack of a permit does not automatically prove civil liability for the injury. However, permit violations, absence of approved plans, lack of required professionals, or stop-work issues may become evidence of unsafe or unlawful construction practices.

What if the injured worker is a foreigner?

A foreign worker injured on a Philippine residential project may still have rights under Philippine law, but additional immigration, work permit, documentation, and authentication issues may arise. If documents are executed abroad, Philippine agencies or courts may require apostille or proper authentication depending on the country of execution.

What if the homeowner is a foreigner?

A foreign homeowner, condo owner, lessee, or project owner may still face Philippine liability if he or she controlled, managed, or benefited from the construction work in the Philippines. Nationality does not automatically shield a person from Philippine labor, civil, OSH, or criminal rules for a project located in the Philippines.

Key Takeaways

The contractor is usually the first party responsible, but the homeowner or project owner may also be liable depending on control, supervision, negligence, and OSH compliance.
RA 11058 makes the employer, project owner, general contractor, contractor, subcontractor, and persons managing or supervising the work jointly and solidarily liable for OSH compliance.
Employees’ Compensation claims are different from civil damages claims. EC benefits focus on work connection, while civil damages usually require proof of negligence.
Construction safety rules require PPE, safety programs, safety personnel, training, toolbox meetings, accident reporting, and fall protection in appropriate cases.
A “pakyaw” or informal arrangement does not automatically defeat liability. The real facts of hiring, payment, control, and supervision matter.
Document everything early: medical records, accident scene photos, wage proof, messages, witnesses, permits, contracts, and safety records.
Serious injuries and deaths may involve several tracks at once: hospital documentation, SSS/EC claim, DOLE report or inspection, civil damages, and possible criminal complaint.
Small residential projects are still worksites. Informality is common, but it does not remove legal duties to protect workers from preventable injury.