Article

How to prevent worksite property damage

As a contractor, you have loss exposures that go beyond the potential for worker injury. Steps should be taken to secure, prevent damage and deter thieves to the materials and equipment that you are installing as part of a construction project. Including property loss prevention and an overall safety program as part of your risk management efforts can help. Here are some action items to keep in mind to protect worksite property:

Protecting your project sites

Fire

  • Obtain a hot-work permit and be sure subcontractors have them as well when welding/ cutting/brazing or using an open flame
  • Train workers on how to use fire extinguishers and assign fire watch duties
  • Provide a daily map of hot work locations and communicate to after-hours security which locations to check
  • Inspect temporary power distribution for overloading and damaged electrical cords
  • Institute and enforce a no-smoking policy
  • Minimize accumulation of combustibles
  • Maintain fire access roads and be sure they can support heavy firefighting equipment

Water

  • Conduct pre-storm inspections to ensure there aren’t any unsecured or uncovered openings that could allow rain to enter
  • Inspect and remove debris from roof drains
  • Inspect weather-protecting tarps to ensure they will not detach during wind events
  • Have de-watering equipment available in case below-grade structures fill with rainwater

Security

  • Install fencing with minimum height of eight feet
  • Install security cameras with central station monitoring at access points
  • Have frequent discussions with work crews about alerting supervisors to any suspicious activity
  • Conduct nightly security checks to ensure storage containers and metals have been properly secured
  • Properly secure and monitor off-site storage locations

Make sure your worksite is properly protected from vandals and theft. The Hanover has an array of insurance solutions for jobs big and small.


This material is provided for informational purposes only and does not provide any coverage or guarantee loss prevention. The examples in this material are provided as hypothetical and for illustration purposes only. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“The Hanover”) specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations contained herein will make any premises, or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.

LC 2017-422 May 2018