Contractors Beware: Stay Ahead of Seasonal Hazards
- Tedford Team
- Sep 24
- 2 min read
With the arrival of Fall, contractors face new risks on job sites. Seasonal changes bring cooler temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and unpredictable weather—all of which can impact worker safety and project timelines. Taking time to prepare for these changes helps protect your team, your equipment, and your bottom line.
Common Fall Hazards for Contractors
🍂 Slippery Surfaces
Wet leaves, rain, and early frost can make walkways, scaffolding, and ladders slippery. This increases the risk of slips, trips, and falls—the leading cause of workplace injuries in construction.
🌧 Weather-Related Delays
Fall weather can change quickly, with heavy rains and strong winds creating unsafe working conditions. Without proper planning, projects can face costly delays.
🌙 Reduced Daylight
Shorter days mean less natural light, making visibility a concern on job sites. Poor lighting can increase accident risks and lower productivity.
❄️ Early Cold Spells
Chilly mornings and fluctuating temperatures can affect both worker comfort and equipment performance.
Safety Measures to Put in Place
Improve Site Housekeeping: Regularly clear walkways of wet leaves and debris.
Update Lighting: Add portable lights to work areas as days grow shorter.
Weather-Proof Equipment: Ensure machinery and tools are protected from moisture and temperature swings.
Revisit Fall Protection Training: Review ladder safety, scaffolding procedures, and PPE use with your crew.
Monitor Forecasts: Build flexibility into your schedule to account for weather delays.
Insurance Protection for Seasonal Risks
Even with strong safety measures, accidents can happen. That’s why insurance plays a critical role in your fall risk management strategy. Coverage options to review include:
General Liability – Protects against third-party injury or property damage.
Workers’ Compensation – Covers medical costs and lost wages for employees injured on the job.
Builders Risk Insurance – Helps cover losses from weather-related damage to projects under construction.
Equipment Coverage – Protects valuable tools and machinery from weather, theft, or damage.
Fall brings new challenges to construction sites, but proactive planning and strong insurance coverage can help you stay on track. At Tedford Insurance, we work with contractors to identify seasonal risks and tailor coverage to protect your projects year-round.
Product descriptions provide a summary of coverage and are provided as a reference only. The actual policy determines coverage. The policy contains exclusions, limitations and other provisions not referenced (or only briefly summarized) here and the policy should be consulted for full coverage terms, conditions, and requirements.