Construction Law
Hurricane Preparation for the Jobsite
Hurricane season is technically June 1 through November 30, but if 2020 is any indicator, it may become longer in the future. The 2020 hurricane season has proven to be the most active in recorded history. With such an active hurricane season that has lasted longer than in recent years, it’s important to look ahead and understand how to prepare your construction jobsite for a natural disaster in the future. In this post, Lakeland construction attorneys with Cotney Attorneys & Consultants share a few tips to help you prepare your jobsite and your team for hurricane disruptions.
Related: How to Defend a Construction Site Against Hurricanes
Secure Loose Articles and Electrical Hazards
Any loose articles from smaller items like tools and hardware to larger pieces like scaffolding should be secured as soon as possible. The outer bands of a hurricane can contain extremely strong winds and tornadoes, which can cause scaffolding or other non-permanent items to become unsafe. It’s also crucial to try to avoid electrical hazards before the hurricane by insulating or cover any electrical wiring to shield it from water. You should also board windows and use sandbags to prevent floodwater from entering the structure or anywhere electrical items might be stored.
Create and Communicate a Clear Hurricane Plan
Before a hurricane hits, it’s important to create a clear hurricane plan. This plan should include safety procedures, requirements for temporarily closing a jobsite, and information on how or where employees can access information regarding closures and return to work procedures.
It’s essential to write and distribute a comprehensive hurricane plan by the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season on June 1. Employees should be prepared to execute your plan on a moment’s notice until November 30, when hurricane season officially comes to a close. Ensure that each worker has read your plan, understands their specific role, and acknowledges the importance of preparing for a hurricane.
Related: Safety Tips for Your Jobsite During Hurricane Season
Create a Salvage Plan
Despite the best preparation, your jobsite may be damaged during a hurricane. After you return to the construction site, you should perform any necessary clean up before construction resumes. For this reason, you should create a clear salvage plan, which will ensure safety and a speedy return to productivity. Survey the construction site, decide which materials are salvageable, and then remove materials and equipment that have sustained damage. Next, ensure that all fire protection systems are working; otherwise, they will have to be replaced or restored before you can safely resume work. Lastly, remind your employees that they should exercise extreme caution in the aftermath of a hurricane and report any unusual circumstances to a supervisor.
If you need any further assistance, Lakeland construction lawyers with Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will discuss the best ways to keep your construction site safe during and after a hurricane. Furthermore, they will discuss your liability if there are elements damaged during a storm.
If you would like to speak with one of our Lakeland construction lawyers, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.