Description

The Safety & Health Committee's next Forum will address the new set of challenges that employers in the construction industry have faced since recreational marijuana became legal in Illinois in 2020.  These challenges include inconsistencies that arise between state and federal laws, which can leave employers uncertain about their rights and legal obligations.  Additionally, drug testing for marijuana is often complex and unreliable, meaning that employers have difficulty ensuring a drug-free workplace.  

Employers must also balance their employees’ individual rights with the imperative of maintaining a safe work environment.  The ultimate goal of the presentation is to equip employers with the knowledge and tools they need to establish practical policies and procedures to safeguard both their businesses and the well-being of their workforce.  By addressing these critical topics, attendees will gain valuable insights into how to protect their interests while fostering a secure and productive construction site. 

Presenters:

Gregory A. Eichorn, Partner, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. - Prior to obtaining his law degree, Greg worked eight years in a variety of roles for a large national construction company. Greg’s primary area of practice is construction law, representing general contractors, construction managers, owners/developers, subcontractors, and other construction professionals.  Greg has extensive experience in negotiating complex construction contracts for sports stadiums, office buildings, hospitals, residential high-rises, airports, roads, rail, infrastructure, specialty construction, renovations, and all levels of public and private schools, including universities.

Edward O. Pacer, Managing Director, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. - Ed has represented clients in a wide variety of litigated matters, including the mediation, arbitration, and litigation of construction-related disputes, jobsite accidents, breach of contract cases, the prosecution and defense of lien claims, OSHA investigations, the defense of defective work claims, business partner disputes, employment claims, and cases involving regulatory investigations and prosecutions.  His broad-based civil litigation experience allows him to serve as a valuable asset to his clients providing internal policy and practice advice and aiding clients in assessing and avoiding risk.

David Scriven-Young, Senior Counsel, Peckar & Abramson, P.C. - As Environmental Practice Leader Dave focuses his practice on construction, environmental, safety, employment, and commercial litigation matters.  Dave’s construction expertise includes prosecution and defense of mechanic’s lien actions, payment and performance bond claims, breach-of-contract actions, breach-of-warranty claims, delay and inefficiency claims, contract terminations, and other matters.