The larger the project, the greater the risk – that much is a given. The importance of risk management, however, remains the same no matter how great or small the project. Although each comes with its own unique risks, large-scale infrastructure construction projects are particularly distinctive.
Public Influence
A large infrastructure project is likely to take place in close proximity to the general public and this poses many risks. In some cases, such as road resurfacing or constructing new sections of highway, construction must be staggered to allow for continued public use of the area.
As well as working in close proximity to the public, the risks extend to what happens when you are not working. If your site is in a public area, or easily accessible by public roads, extra security measures may need to be employed to protect the site between shifts. Public liability on large infrastructure construction projects is vitally important.
Waste Management
Large infrastructure construction projects can take place in a number of environments from isolated, rural roads to large-scale upgrades on busy city streets. No matter what the environment, effective waste management is vital to reduce the potential risks of an accident and also comply with EPA regulations. Whether the waste comes from facilities for workers or discarded materials, it poses a great risk if left unmanaged. Having effective disposal systems in place has many benefits like reducing the risk of accidents and creating a safer and healthier working environment.
Reviewing the need for special insurance coverages like pollution liability is in everyone’s best interest. A pollution liability claim can put your firm out of business. A pollution liability policy covers any type of pollution associated with a particular business that causes damage to soil, groundwater, or property. The coverage includes airborne pollutants like smoke and industrial emissions. Many policies cover pollution that occurred in the past and have yet to be discovered which protects businesses now for pollution that may have occurred before laws were enacted and harmful effects discovered.
Large infrastructure construction projects carry many of the same risks other construction projects carry, from worker liability to budgets, but it is important to look at each project with a fresh approach and take in all the unique aspects of the job. Risk management is an invaluable step in the planning and execution of a project especially as the list of potential risks grows with the increased size of the venture.
