Protecting Against Common Fire Risks During Construction
It’s nothing new that the construction industry has to deal with a variety of hazards, but a growing number of construction site fires are drawing attention to this particular risk in construction.
On average, between 2010 and 2015, firefighters responded to more than 10 fires a day at buildings under construction in the U.S.1 Those fires led to $172 million in direct property damages, claimed five lives and injured 51. Travelers’ Risk Control professionals have noted an upward trend in significant fire losses at construction sites in recent years, as construction activity has increased in the U.S.
Fires can occur on any construction project. However, “with more wood frame structures being built, we have noticed an increase in fire losses during the course of construction,” said Jay Hurin, Technical Director for Travelers Inland Marine Risk Control. “These structures are particularly susceptible to fires.”
Fires during construction can spread rapidly, especially when sprinklers have not yet been installed or activated, and other combustible materials are present. “These can be precarious situations,” Hurin said. “All it takes is one small ignition source to start a major fire.” Read More
