Expert: Dan Griffin - 1/13/2010

Question
Hello,
In the industry, are construction workers expected to supply their own tools?  If a tool breaks, who is financially responsible, the worker, the company, or the customer?  If a tool requires an accessory, such as a saw blade (they do get dull or break), a paint sprayer tip, etc. who pays?  If there is a shortage of tools, who pays for procurement of new?  What about job site clothing (such as gloves, coveralls, etc.)?

Thank you

Answer
David, I suppose all these answers are something that you should work out with a potential employer before hiring on.  I will give you some of my past experience.  There are, of course, differences between union, private, and subcontract work.  I would consider it a general rule of thumb that all hand tools are the responsibility of the emloyee.  Power tools that have cords (and now I would guess ones that have batteries) or are pneumatic would belong to the contractor.  If a man were to bring his own power tool(s) because he preferred his own, I would consider it his to repair and maintain.  It is traditional that the employer sharpens blades or pays the man while he sharpens it on company time.  I've not ever known of any employer providing clothing unless there is a "company" jacket, hat, or shirt with the employer's name on it that you are expected to wear..  Laundry, care, and repair would belong to the employee.  If you broke the boss' power tool through abuse, I think you should pay for it. If you broke it through use, he should.  If you brought it from home to help out the boss, he should pay some form of rent or buy some accessories.  If your old worn out $1000 airless breaks on the job, I don't know, but I don't feel the employer needs to replace the rig with a new one.  Many of these same issues arise if you lend or borrow tools with a neighbor or relative.  Many folks just get to the point that they don't, period!!  Would you loan your car to the guy across the street, and who pays for it if he has a wreck?

There are exceptions to every statement I made, but I would consider them to be fair and normal in the industry.  If an employer expected the workman to provide power tools, the wages would need to be higher to compensate for the repair, upkeep, and replacement.  Loss and theft would still be on the employee which is one reason for not providing power tools.  We can all replace a hammer (maybe not with a Stiletto or similar), but a$400 battery impact gun is another matter.