Are your sites ready for shut down?

At Civilsure, our goal is to support our clients, especially during periods where vulnerabilities tend to rise. As we seek a peaceful holiday season, we understand the importance of safeguarding against unexpected concerns.

Safeguarding Tips

Anticipating Weather Conditions: Forecasts suggest an unusual weather pattern marked by heavy downpours and potential flooding between November 2023 and January 2024. This altered climate poses considerable risks to building materials, equipment, and machinery. To mitigate these risks, Contractors and Subcontractors should remain attentive and take measures to safeguard their equipment, preventing potential losses during this period.

Insurance coverage often doesn’t account for loss or damage resulting from immersion in tidal waters. As a precaution, it’s advisable to relocate plant and equipment to a safe distance away from bodies of water, minimizing the likelihood of damage or losses not covered by insurance policies.

Protecting Construction Plant and Equipment: Construction machinery faces threats like theft, vandalism, and fire, compounded by the increased vulnerability to water damage during adverse weather. Ensuring storage areas are free from fire hazards, maintaining clear surroundings, and considering damage from condensation on piled storage are crucial precautions.

Addressing Security Concerns: Widespread crime remains a significant challenge, with theft and vandalism plaguing the construction industry. Creating a secure environment for construction equipment storage becomes pivotal. Take steps to prevent damage or theft, especially when leaving items on-site overnight. These steps include using security guards, patrols, securing machinery, immobilizing mobile plant, using locked containers for tools, and installing security lights.

A Plant policy coverage doesn’t extend to encompass “loss of or damage to easily replaceable parts and attachments,” such as bits, drills, knives, cutting edges, and more. Ensure the safe storage of these components to mitigate the potential risk of theft losses.

Ensuring robust security arrangements, both on and off-site, is imperative. Theft cover on a contractor’s all-risk policy will only respond if there is proof of forcible/violent entry into or exit from a locked storage facility.

Protecting Contract Works in Progress: During the December shutdown, open construction sites are vulnerable to various risks. Creating a risk table and addressing potential exposures, like storm or flooding on earthworks platforms, is advisable. Installing rain gauges for accurate measurements, enhancing perimeter security, and maintaining operational CCTV cameras are key precautions.

Policy cover excludes work in progress that has not been completed to a state where it can be left unsupervised during the builder’s holiday or any period when the site is not fully occupied.

Safety Measures for Power Supply and Housekeeping: Recommendations include switching off unused equipment, checking surge protection systems, and ensuring premises are free of debris and combustible materials to prevent fire hazards or water damage.

Understanding SASRIA Coverage: Reflecting on past events, SASRIA cover provided relief amidst some of South Africa’s worst disasters. It’s crucial for Contractors and Subcontractors to evaluate the need for SASRIA protection, considering potential exposures related to construction equipment and materials. Consulting with us is recommended to explore this essential cover.

What to do in the event of a claim?

1. Immediate Notification: Inform the insurance company right away via phone and written notice (email or fax), describing what happened and the extent of the loss or damage.
2. Minimize Further Damage: Take reasonable steps to prevent further loss or damage.
3. Preserve Evidence: Keep the affected parts or items available for inspection by the insurance company.
4. Provide Information: Promptly provide any documents or information related to the incident as requested by the insurance company.
5. Report to Authorities (if applicable): If the incident involves theft or burglary, inform the police.
6. Timely Notification: Ensure the insurance company receives notice within 14 days of the incident.
7. Repair and Inspection: For significant damage, wait for an insurer’s representative to inspect before starting repairs. If they don’t inspect within a reasonable time, you can proceed with repairs.
8. Prompt Repairs: Ensure any damaged item is repaired promptly and correctly.

Follow these steps carefully to ensure your claim is processed smoothly and to avoid potential issues with your insurance coverage. If you have any doubts or questions about the process, reach out to us for guidance.

Get to know your policy warranties

Every insurance policy comes with conditions and warranties that define the agreement between the client and the insurer. Familiarizing yourself with these terms, provisions, and exceptions is crucial. Don’t hesitate to contact us for clarity.

We wish you a tranquil and rejuvenating break. Your peace of mind matters, and adequate preparation against potential risks ensures you can enjoy a well-deserved holiday season without unnecessary worries.