I feel that this type of legislation is a double edged sword. The home owner has to pay more, the contractor has to invest more and those sham companies who pay less taxes, price lower, are un-informed/un-trained get more work. The consumer gets a rubbish job of no worth under false belief's.
We have this problem in the UK since the government decided to make it mandatory for people removing rubbish from site had to be licensed and most waste depot's have banned vans and trucks from using their facilities or charge silly fees to do so. The cost of legitimate waste skips has increased too as a direct result.
The problems of 'fly tipping' a practice whereby waste is indiscrimanently deposited in parking layby's, fields and other such places then left to local councils to clean up at a cost to every housholder in that area has increased dramatically.
Legislation enforced at such high levels of fines only hurts the honest workers and home owners, the dishonest ones don't give a flying monkey for the consequences whom-ever they hurt.
Surely the better way is to educate people as to the concerns so they can be better informed and the contractors have the opportunity to provide a safe level of service that meets the need of the customer, the company and that of the workforce they employ! Thus drive out of business the charletons and leave the work for the more honest and morally adjusted people.( while keeping costs reasonable for the contractor and client alike)
Just my tuppence worth from a misguided blighty [scared]
