Unless you’re planning a cozy evening spent inside by a warm fire, incoming snow is probably bad news. Ice, hail, and storms are even worse. There are many expenses associated with inclement weather, but lost construction time is one of the biggest. If you’re managing a construction site in any area where bad weather is predicted, you might be wondering about construction site preparations for severe weather. As always, safety should be your top concern, and there are several strategies you can employ to minimize liabilities in the face of a weather event.
Implement a Safety Plan
Construction sites should always have a pre-written safety plan ready to enact in the event of an emergency, and if severe weather is predicted, it’s time for the safety plan to be put into action. The plan should include guidelines for sheltering in a storm, supplies if team members are stranded, and relocation if the designated shelter is destroyed. The supervisor on duty should be familiar with these guidelines, and all staff members should be briefed so that they understand safety protocol.
Follow Broadcasted Guidelines
In addition to the guidelines established by an internal safety guide, the National Weather Service will likely broadcast instructions if an emergency weather event is impending. It’s vital to follow whatever instructions are given. If a hurricane is imminent, for example, an alert may be issued warning all nearby civilians to avoid electrical power, stay clear of flooded areas, and take precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning. In most cases, these guidelines should be prioritized above any steps included in your company’s safety plan.
Identify Structural Risks
Construction sites come with a unique set of liabilities that may worsen the risk to affected personnel. Construction insurance typically covers injuries and other expenses, but it’s best to actively prevent such accidents from happening — especially in a heightened hazard zone caused by inclement weather. As such, you should identify any structural hazards that might emerge. Building components such as masonry walls or tilt-up panels can be knocked over and pose a major danger. Look out for these risks and advise your team to avoid affected areas.
Handle Aftermath Carefully
When the inclement weather has passed, you should assess your team for injuries even if none are immediately apparent. If there are damages to the construction site itself, construction insurance may cover the expenses if you file a claim. Most importantly, though, you should be sure that you’re ready if another weather event strikes. This means you should replenish supplies, replace flashlight batteries, and conduct any other maintenance tasks that keep your team prepared. This is key to protecting your construction site even when you are in the most treacherous circumstances.
About Haughn & Associates
Founded by Michael Haughn in 1986, Haughn & Associates is a full-service, family-owned, independent insurance agency based out of Dublin, Ohio. H&A strives to provide the best possible price and unique insurance solutions across a myriad of industries, including construction, IT, Habitation & Commercial Property, Agriculture, and Engineering. Devoted to providing the best of business insurance, life and disability insurance, personal insurance, employee benefits, and bonds, H&A is proof that success lies in long-standing client relations and satisfaction. To learn more about how H&A can be of service to you, contact us at (877) 802-2278.
