Risk mitigation measures for suspended construction sites

Table of Contents

1. Mitigating Risks During Temporary Construction Site Closures
2. Construction Site Closure: Risk Prevention Tips
3. Action Steps

Mitigating Risks During Temporary Construction Site Closures

Construction project sites encounter significant difficulties when they are temporarily closed due to a variety of circumstances. Various risk exposures include theft of materials or equipment, water damage, fire, attractive nuisance, property damage and/or bodily injury.

It’s imperative that insureds that have had sites temporarily shut down review them to ensure there are no exposures left unattended that could give rise to a claim.

Construction Site Closure: Risk Prevention Tips

Maintain Site Cleanliness

• Ensure on-site waste bins are completely empty of debris.
• To mitigate construction site closure risks, ensure thorough clearance of the site from any waste, materials, or equipment. This includes not only the immediate construction area but also adjacent walkways, roadways, sidewalks, and other connected properties.
• Where feasible, temporarily remove any equipment used in the construction of the building. If it can’t be removed from the site, proper storage would be required.

Strengthen Your Security

• Implement additional security measures including additional fencing, additional interior and perimeter lighting, CCTV or patrol service.
• Have a site supervisor/project manager/other employee visit the project site daily if possible. It may be acceptable to visit as infrequently as twice a week depending on the specifics of the project.
• Keep documentation of when and where a site was visited and how the site was left, including the current phase of construction development. Document if any issues came up and the state of the project site – photos and video would be key in this regard.
• Ensure that all cranes have been secured and all necessary protocols have been taken to prevent property damage or bodily injury – weathervaning can be a serious concern.
• Ensure that all utilities to the site are secured, locked, or disconnected where possible to prevent construction site closure risks. If water is being shut off, ensure lines are drained—this may vary if a sprinkler system is present and operational.

Safety Checks

• If the roof of the building has been installed, ensure that no debris and/or equipment remain on it. 
• If downspouts and drains have been installed, ensure they are clear of any blockages.
• If there are any fuel tanks, flammable liquids or gas present, ensure that they are emptied and/or removed from the job site.
• Maintain a sufficient number of fire extinguishers around the site and if necessary, increase the number of available extinguishers.

Action Steps

While the above items do not cover every possible scenario. However, they significantly contribute to addressing some of the main exposures typically found at job sites. Taking proactive steps to prevent or mitigate losses during this period is crucial. It will assist you in avoiding further delays and ensure readiness to “hit the ground running” once the temporary closure ends. To learn more about protecting your construction site, explore Unica’s Builders (COC/Wrap-Up), which safeguards equipment, business income, liability, and labor under one policy.

Furthermore, make sure you engage with your Broker to review your coverage and explore options for protecting your business during a closure.