Vacant construction sites can be a prime target for theft, trespassing and vandalism. Additionally, contractors can be held liable for injuries due to “attractive nuisances” or dangerous conditions that are likely to attract children and threaten their safety. Moreover, vacant construction sites are susceptible to fire since they often contain combustible materials, are vulnerable to arson, and may lack fire protection systems with alarms and sprinklers. Fires can result in significant property damage, environmental harm, and injuries to those in the area of the fire or to firefighters responding to the incident.
How can Construction businesses mitigate risks and potential liabilities that vacant construction sites present:
- Install security systems to prevent trespassing, theft and vandalism. These systems should include proper lighting, sufficient signage, cameras and access controls.
- Ensure the area is free of hazards that could cause injuries to anyone on the site. All hazardous material, excess equipment and combustibles in and around the site should be removed to avoid damage and potential fires. Walls, ladders, equipment, ditches, lumber piles and other physical features could be classified as attractive nuisances and should also be removed or made inaccessible to children who may try to enter the site and play with them.
- Have monitoring systems in place to detect issues before they evolve into major loss-causing events (eg water leaks). Fire alarms and fire suppression systems should also be in place and operational.
- Perform regular inspections of the vacant site for potential risks and immediately remedy any issues.
- Keep valuable equipment and materials locked up in secure storage containers to protect them from theft. Consider installing GPS tracking on valuable equipment to further deter thieves and help locate stolen items.
- Have insurance in place: cover may include protection for any insurable materials against multiple perils, including fires, wind, lightning and vandalism. A experienced broker like us, can help construction business owners source insurance policies that best meet their needs.
Conclusion
Vacant construction sites pose several risks. However, by being proactive and implementing strategies to address these risks, construction business leaders can enhance the safety of these locations, protect site equipment from criminal activities and trespassers and mitigate their overall exposures.
However, an insurance policy is there to protect you and your business in the event that an accident did happen and you need to put a claim in place. Speak to our highly experienced team today to discuss your Construction Insurance policy, call us on 01536 303310 or complete our enquiry form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible.