Construction Urged to be Ready for Storm Amy

AS STORM AMY sweeps across large parts of the UK with dangerous high winds, the Met Office has issued an amber warning for Scotland and northern England.

The construction industry is being urged to be ready for the significant risks posed by this extreme weather.

Storm Amy

The impact of severe storms on construction projects can be profound, with consequences ranging from delays and increased costs to equipment damage and heightened on-site safety risks.

• Heavy rain can lead to site flooding, damage to foundations and water ingress in partially completed structures.
• Powerful winds raise the risk of destabilising cranes, scaffolding, and other vital equipment.
• Worker safety is also of paramount concern, as high winds and reduced visibility can increase the chance of slips, falls, and other serious accidents.
• Prolonged exposure to adverse conditions can weaken building materials, raising concerns about quality and leading to costly wastage.

Together, these challenges can cause substantial disruption, project delays, and financial penalties, undermining both operations and profitability.

Takes Proactive Steps

Alistair Bambrook Risk Manager at Towergate Corporate stresses the need for construction companies to take proactive steps in the face of such conditions.

He highlights the importance of robust risk management planning, regular equipment inspections, and flexible project scheduling that accounts for potential weather disruption.

Companies should also ensure their sites are prepared with effective weatherproofing and drainage systems, supported by strong safety protocols to protect workers when conditions deteriorate.

Just as importantly, businesses should review their insurance coverage so they are fully aware of what protections are in place and can act quickly if they need to make a claim.

“The construction industry is inherently exposed to weather-related challenges,” said Alistair. “However, with extreme weather becoming more frequent and severe, businesses need to prioritise resilience planning. By taking proactive risk management measures and ensuring comprehensive insurance coverage, construction companies can minimise disruptions and safeguard their people, reputation, business and balance sheet projects and teams.”

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