TACKLE ANY SIZE JOB HEAD ON.

Offering dozens of quick-change attachments, Ditch Witch® compact utility equipment performs an amazing number of chores with the kind of power that outperforms the competition. These low-maintenance machines provide the versatility and long-term reliability that rental companies and general contractors demand. Your demand is our command. WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER.

www.jescoditchwitch.us

South Plainfield, NJ // 118 St Nicholas Ave. T: 908-753-8080 // F: 908-753-7853

Shrewsbury, MA // 508-719-0200 Deer Park, NY // 844-482-0910

Middletown, DE // 302-376-0784 Fairfield, NJ // 973-227-2221

Beacon, NY // 845-831-1800

Lumberton, NJ // 800-241-7070 appropriate insurance coverage and training employees about risks on the road, including distracted driving.

4. Prioritize Worker Safety Training

Taking a proactive approach to worker safety training is another way to avoid future problems with a little bit of effort right now. To ensure your employees are ready, able, and prepared to take on the challenges of construction work, we recommend implementing a robust onboarding and training process, with ongoing training available as needed. This will not only prepare workers for the perils they might face on the job, but it will also help employees stay engaged and feel valued by the company.

According to ABC News, in 2022 alone, the construction industry faced a workforce shortage of 650,000 employees. Since 2011, entry-level construction labor has increased by 72.8%, although the total number of construction workers is up only 24.7%, further emphasizing the need to prioritize worker training.

5. Look Out For Risk-Shifting Contracts

Lastly, ensure your construction business is protected from legal and financial liability by closely examining your contracts to check for risk-shifting language. Though often well-intentioned, it is common for property owners to attempt to shift some of the risk involved with their construction projects onto the construction company. The following are red flags that could indicate the owner is attempting to lock you into a risk-shifting contract:

• Owner-written contracts

• Heavily-edited industry-standard contracts

• Shortened notice requirements

• Unilateral “change order” provisions

• Differing site conditions

• Unreasonable liquidated damages

• No damages for delay

• Indemnification

• Final payment

• Unrealistic weather baselines

• Consequential damages

• Confusing or extended warranty requirements continued on page 60

When in doubt, use industry-standard documents and adhere to industry-standard recommendations. This will help you steer clear of risk-shifting contracts that could end up costing your business.

Insurance Perspective continued from page 59