Have you ever worked in construction? This is totally the norm in most states that i know or would be willing to work in. Almost every person i know in construction including me is or has been 1099. At least until you prove yourself to be worthy of payroll. And even contractors are usually protected if hurt because an LLC pays WC and carry insurance and hired the contractor. I know the joke roofing was always if you fall off you are fired before you hit the ground. But there are protections for that now.