For many industries, the spring and summer are considered the “busy season.” Landscapers, lawn care workers, pool maintenance crews, and several other contractors find themselves booked when the weather is warm and sunny, and the days are longer.
It’s not much different for utility workers, but in many areas of the United States, there isn’t a true slowdown in the fall. Beyond the work itself, there’s a focus on severe weather preparedness because it impacts both workers and work sites.
Hurricane season is in full swing, and the last few years have seen increased activity, notably in the Atlantic region. But the dangerous weather risk isn’t limited to the tropics; storm readiness for utilities is critically essential, particularly if your clients operate in areas with snow, heavy precipitation, tornadoes, wildfires, or fog.
Here’s the problem: most utility company insurance policies aren’t tailored to the client. They may have specific risk exposures based on their work type and geographic location, but they’re not covered — which is why broker guidance is necessary.
Fall storms can cause disruptions to work and, unfortunately, lead to injuries and fatalities if your clients aren’t prepared. Utility work is vital to our nation’s infrastructure, and fall weather insurance coverage is just the beginning. Let’s look at what clients need.
“The utility industry is essential — and it continues to grow in line with many expert forecasts. But one thing we notice is that, despite preparedness for the busy season, utility contractors and their employers are often caught off guard by fall weather. Knowing the hazards and how to mitigate risk is critical for safety and success.”
– Michael Finati, UtilityPro Program Manager
Extreme fall weather puts utility workers at increased risk
Risk management for utility providers is key to both uptime and safety when severe fall weather strikes. As utility workers face hazards both above and below the ground, having a complete understanding of weather patterns and potential severe weather can produce a better plan.
That’s why Insurance for utility companies can’t be a generic product.
Every business is different, just as every climate is different and poses unique risks and challenges. From flash floods to wind, and early winter weather like snow and ice, fall can be a difficult time of year to get work done safely — and the first step to a solid plan is to have tailored coverage.
Utility risk management solutions are made easier with UtilityPro from NIP Group.
A safety plan is necessary for your clients’ business
Storm preparedness should focus on safety for workers and equipment. Severe fall weather can also cause extensive and expensive damage to equipment, including vehicles, and the result can be worse if they aren’t built to operate in cold or wet conditions.
Brokers should ensure that clients have the right equipment coverage — something that UtilityPro provides — in addition to workers’ compensation (utility industry) insurance and general liability. It’s often said that businesses with a safety-focused culture are businesses that last, because they look out for employees and can withstand disruptions or delays caused by claims.
Safety preparation for fall storms can and should include training for:
- Potential illness and injury from exposure to cold
- Property and equipment damage from rain, wind, snow, and ice
- Weather-related dress and PPE protocols
- Proper, comprehensive incident reporting
- Equipment operation in severe and/or cold weather
If clients have questions about OSHA compliance when creating their plan, they can refer to this section: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/interlinking/standards/1910.38(c)
Hypothetical case study: Post-hurricane cleanup and utility work with specialized coverage
Hurricanes cause widespread, destructive damage that can take months, if not years, to fully recover from. When a UtilityPro client was assigned to storm cleanup in the Mid-South region of the United States after a landfall event, the workers faced numerous risks: active power and utility lines (some of which weren’t clearly visible), washed-out areas that were difficult to access, wet and slippery terrain that posed danger to workers and equipment, and more.
This client learned that their previous insurance policy didn’t protect them from storm cleanup, despite being located in a hurricane-prone area. So, they spoke with their broker, who was then introduced to UtilityPro. UtilityPro’s team worked directly with the broker to write a policy that addressed their specific needs and risk exposures.
Conclusion
UtilityPro is a national, comprehensive insurance program that allows utility contractors to navigate their unique risk landscape with confidence. It’s also admitted and written in California.
With UtilityPro as their trusted advisor, clients will know they have a partner who understands their needs and is fully committed to their safety and success.
Fall storm preparation checklist
