“In addition to the perils that exist year-round on every construction site — such as falls, struck-by incidents, and electrocution — autumn weather can introduce a new set of risks to grading and excavation pros. To manage these seasonal risks, businesses should focus on prevention, and ensure they have the comprehensive coverage to protect them throughout the year.”
– Michael Finati, LandPro Program Manager
Construction is one of the largest industries in the U.S. with nearly one million construction businesses spending more than $2 trillion per year. Though cyclical in nature, the construction industry is forecast to sustain steady growth over the next decade, opening opportunities for construction businesses and the brokers that help insure them. To help support these businesses and build a thriving construction portfolio, brokers must recognize the perils of this high-hazard industry and offer comprehensive seasonal construction insurance. To provide even better service and win over more prospects, brokers can also guide businesses with construction weather risk management tips for fall and winter.
What Risks Do Construction Companies Face During the Fall Months?
Construction liability in the fall can create a new set of risks that necessitate fall weather insurance coverage. In addition to the perils that exist year-round on every construction site — such as falls, struck-by incidents, and electrocution — autumn weather changes present additional risks to construction businesses. Construction risks that may increase during the fall and winter include:
- Unstable ground caused by rains, coastal flooding, and flash flooding.
- Poor visibility due to fog and shorter days with less light.
- Slips, falls, and equipment-related hazards resulting from mud, leaves, rain, frost, snow, and ice.
- Injuries or property damage claims resulting from equipment and materials moved by rain or wind.
- Worker injury resulting from cold exposure.
- Colds, viruses, influenza, and other illnesses.
Preparing Jobsites for Seasonal Weather Changes: 5 Tips to Reduce Claims Risks
To promote jobsite protection in autumn, construction companies should focus on prevention and consider following these safety and storm preparation construction liability tips.
1. Create an emergency plan for inclement weather
Inclement weather can strike at any time, which is why a written emergency action plan is the backbone of any incident prevention strategy. An emergency action plan should follow OSHA guidelines (under 29 CFR 1910.38), including documenting procedures on how to report an emergency, safely evacuate the jobsite, account for all employees, and provide medical care.
2. Clear and stabilize the ground
Rain and cold weather can affect soil composition, which may cause the ground to become unstable and slippery. Employers must have a competent person regularly inspect protective systems on an excavation site, identify hazards, and, if necessary, stop work. Employers should also ensure that the jobsite is free of any ground-level hazards (such as mud, rubble, debris, leaves, liquids, snow, and ice), and that it’s safe to support the operation of heavy equipment.
3. Protect employees with PPE, frequent breaks, and additional lighting
Fall weather can be unpredictable, which may mean rain, wind, falling temperatures, frost, reduced visibility, and more. Construction companies should always prepare for the possibility of changing conditions by equipping employees with personal protective equipment, scheduling regular breaks, and providing additional jobsite lighting to improve visibility.
4. Secure equipment and materials
Securing equipment and materials not only helps protect a company’s valuable assets but also reduces liability risks that can increase with harsher weather. Failing to secure equipment and materials from the threat of winds and rain can result in injury or property damage lawsuits against construction companies. If inclement weather is expected, secure aerial equipment by lowering it or moving it to higher ground, and protect other equipment and materials by moving them into protective structures or securing them using tarps.
5. Carry specialized insurance coverage
As the seasons change, so do the risks of each construction job. And while preventing incidents is always the first line of defense, it’s important to prepare for the unexpected. That’s why carrying specialized insurance coverage that protects businesses year-round is an essential part of any growing business’s risk management plan.
Hypothetical Case Study: Excavator’s Safety Procedures Help Mitigate Major Liability Risk
A grading and excavation company was preparing a site in Central Texas for the construction of a new retail center. After heavy rains and flash flooding, the company sent its safety manager to the site to evaluate the site’s shoring system before continuing work the following day. The safety manager noticed a section of the shoring system had collapsed and that there was standing water in several other areas of the trench. The safety manager then made the difficult decision to temporarily stop work on the site due to unsafe working conditions. Though the choice to stop work delayed the company by five days, its safety-first mindset and daily site inspections helped avoid what may have resulted in severe injuries to workers and potentially costly liability claims.
Conclusion
Grading and excavation work carries higher-than-average risks, but with specialized insurance and a focus on prevention, companies can manage these risks more effectively. NIP Group’s SitePro program offers comprehensive insurance for seasonal construction risks, from auto liability and workers’ compensation to nearly everything in between. When new seasons bring new risks, SitePro helps you provide the year-round protection and guidance your construction clients need to continue growing their businesses.
Ready for better grading and excavation insurance by design? Speak with a program expert or submit your excavation accounts online today.
Download: Fall Construction Site Safety Checklist
