Even in periods of strong growth, construction remains shaped by constraints. Workforce shortages persist, timelines shift, and operational risk is constant. Safety, in particular, remains central to every project. Construction accounts for roughly —more than any other industry—reinforcing how much depends on preparation, communication, and leadership at every level.

It is within this environment—defined by consequence, responsibility, and sustained demand—that more women are choosing to build their careers.

Recent statistics paint a promising picture of growth and inclusion in the construction workforce.��, construction employment grew by an impressive 133,000 jobs—with women contributing 18,000 of these new positions. This means that approximately 1 in every 7 construction jobs, or just over 14% of the workforce, is now held by women. Even as the industry navigates fluctuations in job openings—from a record high of about 450,000 early in the year to around 300,000 by September—the steady influx of talented women helps ensure that the sector remains vibrant, resilient, and full of opportunity.

A Proven Legacy

Women in Construction Week, held annually during the first full week of March, was established in 1998 by the , to recognize that evolution. NAWIC itself began decades earlier, in 1953, when women working in construction formed an organization to support advancement in a field where opportunity was often limited.

Since then, the industry has changed dramatically—but its demands have not softened. Construction continues to require technical expertise, operational discipline, and leadership capable of managing inevitable uncertainty. Projects can unfold over months or years, shaped by variables that cannot always be predicted; stability depends on people who can sustain focus and make sound decisions over time.

The growing presence of women across construction roles—from project management and engineering to safety leadership and skilled trades—reflects the industry’s ongoing adaptation to those realities. Their contributions strengthen the workforce not simply by increasing its size, but by reinforcing its capacity for coordination and long-term continuity.

Safety, Stability, and the Work Behind the Work

Safety improvements across the construction industry have come through sustained effort—through safety training, planning, and a stronger understanding of risk. While the work remains inherently demanding, progress over time reflects the impact of leadership committed to protecting workers and strengthening operational discipline.

“Women in construction bring a unique blend of resilience, intuition, and care to some of the toughest work out there. Every day, women help shape safer environments and stronger teams by showing up with focus and compassion,” said Ashley Parker, Risk Management Manager at 91������. “It’s an honor to be part of a community of women who continue to elevate the construction industry and the people who depend on it.”

For construction businesses, maintaining that stability requires more than internal effort. It depends on partners who understand how projects unfold in real conditions—helping identify risk early, respond when circumstances change, and support continuity over the life of the work. This need has grown more pronounced as and projects have become more complex, increasing the importance of proactive risk management and coordination across teams.

91������ has long partnered with construction businesses and the agencies who serve them, providing risk management expertise and claims support that help organizations navigate uncertainty and keep projects moving forward. That partnership supports construction professionals not only when disruption occurs, but in the day-to-day effort required to operate safely and meet their commitments.

Construction has never been defined solely by the structures it produces, but by the people willing to take responsibility for building them—and by the partnerships that help sustain that work. recognizes those professionals whose proven strength continues to shape an industry essential to how our communities function and grow.

To learn more about 91������’s construction expertise and agency partnerships, visit our website. You can also explore Women in Construction Week^® events, helpful resources, and unique industry perspectives at:

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or financial advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in each article are for general informational purposes only.

The answer isn’t simple. In many jurisdictions, courts and legislatures have wrestled for decades with what counts as a defect, when it qualifies as an “accident,” and whether insurance will cover the cost under a policy. For contractors, insurers, and property owners alike, these questions aren’t abstract legal puzzles—they’re issues that can mean the difference between a project setback and financial survival.

At its core, a construction defect is flawed work or materials that cause damage. But whether insurance covers that damage depends on a maze of definitions, exclusions, and state-specific laws.

The First Question: Was It an Occurrence?

Most construction disputes turn first on whether the alleged defect counts as an “occurrence” under a standard commercial general liability (CGL) policy. CGL policies generally as “an accident, including continuous or repeated exposure to substantially the same general harmful conditions”.

The challenge: the word accident itself is rarely defined. States are divided—some courts see defective work as a business risk (something a contractor should control), while others recognize unintended defects as accidental occurrences, particularly when the damage extends beyond the contractor’s own work.

For instance, Colorado’s legislature passed HB 10-1394 to by presuming construction work that causes property damage is accidental unless done intentionally, and�� courts should presume it to be accidental under a liability policy. That kind of legislative clarity is rare, which is why similar claims might be treated differently in Ohio, Florida, or California courts.

The Second Question: Did the Construction Cause Property Damage?

Even if the work qualifies as an occurrence, insurers next ask whether it caused covered property damage. According to federal guidance, property damage “physical injury to tangible property” or “loss of use of tangible property”.

While ��most courts agree that a policy will not pay to fix a contractor’s own defective work, but it will cover damage that spreads to other property, some jurisdictions courts may draw distinctions. Think of it this way: if a subcontractor installs a roof improperly, the cost of replacing the roof itself is usually excluded. But if the faulty roof allows rainwater to leak inside and damage flooring or drywall, those secondary damages are often covered—assuming the policy language and state law support that interpretation.

The Third Question: Do Exclusions Apply?

Finally, insurers turn to exclusions built into CGL policies. These “business risk” exclusions are rooted in the idea that liability insurance shouldn’t guarantee the quality of a contractor’s own work. Instead, the contractor is expected to manage that risk directly.

One of the most debated exclusions is the “your work” clause, which denies coverage for damage to a contractor’s own completed work. Yet many policies include a subcontractor exception—if the damage stems from work performed by a subcontractor, the exclusion .

This nuance matters. Courts in some states, like Illinois, have limited the subcontractor exception for general contractors, while other jurisdictions enforce it as written, leaving contractors and insurers to navigate inconsistent outcomes.

Why All the Fuss?

The reason you hear so much about construction defect coverage is uncertainty. Legislatures and courts across the country interpret the same contract language differently, and the rules keep evolving. Some states, like Colorado, have tried to create predictability through statutes. Others rely heavily on judicial precedent, which can shift with new cases.

This patchwork means a contractor building in multiple states faces different coverage expectations depending on the jurisdiction. For insurers, it complicates underwriting and claims handling. And for property owners, it affects how quickly and fairly defects are resolved.

As the notes, the construction industry already faces unique safety, legal, and financial risks. Adding uncertainty about defect coverage only raises the stakes for all parties involved.

The Bottom Line

So, is construction defect damage covered by liability insurance? The answer remains: it depends.

• Some states hold that faulty work causing property damage is an occurrence; others do not.
• Most policies won’t cover the cost of redoing defective work itself, but many will cover damage caused to surrounding property from that work.
• Exclusions, and especially subcontractor carve-outs, can make or break a claim.

Until federal standards or more widespread state reforms emerge, the only certainty is that construction defect coverage will remain a moving target—one with enormous financial implications for contractors, insurers, and property owners alike.

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.�� We recommend consulting with an attorney to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and to receive legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances

The Impact of Construction on Our Lives

Every year, in the construction industry work tirelessly to create structures valued at approximately $1.4 trillion. From the office buildings that house our enterprises to the homes where we create memories, these structures form the backbone of our daily lives—built, shaped, and maintained by skilled construction professionals.

The construction industry also compromises 4% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and will need an  in addition to the normal hiring pace to meet growth demand, according to a proprietary model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors. Skilled laborer shortages have become a major issue in several construction markets, and retirements will only continue to drain the talent pool. In fact, 41% of the current U.S. construction workforce is expected to . 

The Significance of Construction Week

Whether it’s the cell tower that connects your phone to the world, the plumbing that delivers fresh morning coffee, or the schools that keep our children safe, every facet of modern life is touched by the construction industry. This week, we’re invited to reflect on and appreciate these contributions that may often go unnoticed.

Celebrating and Supporting Our Construction Heroes

91������ is at the forefront of supporting the construction industry, offering tailored risk management solutions and training programs. These initiatives are designed to enhance safety, reduce risks, and ensure the sustainability of construction practices. Our construction leadership series, for instance, offers courses like project safety pre-planning and site-specific safety plans, which are crucial for day-to-day operations.

As we celebrate National Construction Appreciation Week, let’s take the opportunity to show our gratitude and ensure the continued growth and success of this vital industry.

Interested in learning more about how 91������ supports the construction industry? We invite you to contact our team to discover how our programs can benefit you and contribute to the broader construction community.

Stronger safety in construction is planned long before a shift begins—pre-task plans, tie-off checks, clear roles. Yet the risk that claims the most lives in this industry often stays out of view: suicide. It rarely shows up in a tailgate talk unless leaders make space for it. creates that space, running September 8–12, 2025, with ready-to-run toolbox talks, on-site posters, and step-by-step guides crews can put to work anywhere.

“On a fast-paced site, looking out for one another is as essential as tying off,” says Sean Yakicic, Risk Management Expertise Specialist at 91������. “Speaking up—or asking for help—isn’t a detour from the job. It’s part of doing the job well.”

Why It Matters

On U.S. jobsites, the deadliest risk is often the one you can’t see. In construction, suicide now far more lives than falls or other hazards—about five times as many as job-injury fatalities in 2023, when the industry saw more than 5,000 suicide deaths and roughly 16,000 overdose deaths versus 982 on-the-job injury deaths. The is severe—about 46 deaths per 100,000 construction workers, roughly 2.4 times the all-industry rate and close to four times the general population—placing construction squarely in the prevention spotlight.

Within specific roles, the burden is even higher; in 2021, workers in construction and extraction occupations 65.6 deaths per 100,000 men and 25.3 per 100,000 women. These numbers don’t just describe a problem—they define why mental-health planning has to live inside the safety plan, not on the fringe.

How You Can Act

Job realities can compound strain—irregular or long hours, travel, time away from family, injuries and chronic pain, demanding schedules. Prevention works best when it’s built into the safety system crews already trust, pairing suicide prevention with smarter pain management and overdose response so workers see one coherent plan.

: clarify the employer’s role, give supervisors five-minute talking points, post bilingual reminders where crews gather, and hard-wire 988 into badges and onboarding—simple but impactful moves that change what people see and do on every shift.

Leaders don’t have to start from scratch. The STAND Up framework turns intent into daily practice:

• Safety — Build protection into the work itself: fold mental-health risks into JSAs and pre-task plans; pair suicide prevention with MSD/pain-management and overdose response so crews see one coherent safety plan.
• Training — Give supervisors and peer champions five-minute scripts and role-play drills to spot warning signs, start the conversation, and connect people to help.
• Awareness — Keep support in sight: bilingual toolbox talks, eye-level posters, sticker/QR codes to local resources, and orientation slides so every new hire knows where to turn.
• Normalizing — Make check-ins routine: add a quick “How’s the crew doing?” to tailgates, schedule brief refreshers each quarter, and reinforce in policy that seeking help is expected—not penalized.
• Decreasing — Lower real-world risks and barriers: confidential paths to care and recovery resources where appropriate, safe-storage education, multilingual materials, and simple, cost-free access—then measure what’s working while protecting privacy.

Once the pillars are in place, you can extend the work with partners that make implementation stick. provides step-by-step organizational playbooks and manager training to turn one-week stand-downs into durable systems, along with a national conference focused on what scales in the field. Workplace Suicide Prevention employer-focused guidance—reducing job strain, setting communication norms, and building caring cultures—so your policies and daily practices align. The 4×5 Construction Suicide Prevention Program jobsite peer networks and Mental Health First Aid capacity, with “Get Help Now” pathways and business resources crews can use immediately. And the Construction Suicide Prevention Week bundles agendas, toolbox talks, posters, stickers, and an OSHA-recognized participation certificate to keep momentum visible across every site.

Putting Support in Plain Sight

Make help impossible to miss. Post the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on badges, in break rooms, and in new-hire packets—workers can call, text, or chat 988 for 24/7 confidential support. Leaders can also use (and free printable materials) to drop ready-made assets straight into team safety boards and orientations.

“We plan for falls, cuts, and strains. We can plan for mental-health risks, too,” Yakicic adds. “Build the check-ins into the day. Put the resources in plain sight. That’s how crews protect each other.”

Need support now? Call or text 988, or chat via the for confidential help, 24/7. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Looking Ahead

Protecting your workers starts with informed action. For training, planning support, and jobsite-ready tools you can implement across your projects, visit our Risk Management page.

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This information is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, psychological, or legal advice. While we aim to raise awareness and provide support resources regarding suicide prevention and mental health, individual needs vary and should be addressed with the help of qualified professionals. The inclusion of third-party resources or links does not imply endorsement by 91������.

According to , the total value of construction disputes in North America soared to $43 million in 2023, with the average resolution time stretching to 14.4 months. Such prolonged disputes can derail project timelines and budgets, making effective dispute prevention and resolution strategies critical to success.

Why Do Construction Disputes Arise?

Disputes in construction projects often stem from miscommunication, payment issues, contract ambiguities, and delays—all of which can be mitigated with proactive planning. A poorly defined scope of work is one of the , with many disputes arising from unclear contract terms that leave room for misinterpretation. Schedule delays—whether due to weather, supply chain disruptions, or poor planning—frequently trigger conflicts over cost and responsibility.

are another major issue. While contracts typically outline progress payments, retention clauses, and penalties for delays, late or withheld payments can create serious tensions between owners and contractors. Similarly, quality disputes arise when the completed work does not meet expectations, leading to disagreements over whether contractual obligations were fulfilled.

By addressing these common pain points early and implementing clear contractual terms, stakeholders can minimize conflicts and maintain smoother project execution.

Navigating Construction Disputes

No construction project is entirely conflict-free. Yet, many contractors focus solely on project execution while overlooking resolution strategies—until a dispute threatens to derail everything. Addressing disputes early and effectively can prevent costly delays and damaged relationships. Here’s how construction conflicts are typically resolved:

Negotiation: The first and most cost-effective step, direct negotiation allows the parties to discuss issues openly and work toward a mutually acceptable solution. Even if negotiation doesn’t fully resolve the issue, it helps define key points of contention before escalating further.

Mediation: Involves a neutral third party facilitating discussions to help all sides reach an agreement. Mediation isn’t legally binding but often leads to faster, less expensive resolutions than court proceedings.

Arbitration: When negotiation and mediation fail, arbitration offers a legally binding decision from an arbitrator with industry expertise. While typically faster and more cost-effective than litigation, arbitration still involves legal fees and limits appeal options.

Litigation: The most expensive and time-consuming option, litigation involves legally binding court proceedings. Lawsuits can take , making them a last resort for most contractors.

Strengthening Contract Management

Subcontractor agreements play a crucial role in construction, yet their complexity often leads to misunderstandings and disputes. , of the 69,296 private construction firms that launched in 2001, only 56% survived beyond three years, 26.6% reached the 10-year mark, and a mere 17.2% remained in operation after two decades—an astonishing 82.8% failure rate.

Monitoring key contract clauses before, during and after a construction project may help mitigate risks and improve long-term business stability.

Key Areas to Address in Contracts

Scope of Work: Clearly outline responsibilities, materials, deadlines, and quality expectations to prevent costly disagreements down the line.

Payment Terms: Define progress payments, retention clauses, and clear penalties for non-payment to protect all parties from financial risk.

Termination Clauses: “Termination for convenience” provisions allow project owners to cancel contracts with little notice, potentially leaving subcontractors financially vulnerable. Understanding termination rights before signing is crucial.

Practical Steps to Reduce Risk

• Read and Understand Every Clause: Every contract term has potential implications. If anything is unclear, seek legal guidance. Resources like SBA.gov can help small businesses navigate contract language.
• Maintain Open Communication: Clarifying expectations with all parties before work begins can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes.
• Identify Key Negotiation Points: Knowing which clauses are non-negotiable and where flexibility exists can lead to better contract terms.
• Implement a Proactive Risk Management Plan: Identify potential risks early and establish strategies to mitigate them before they become major issues.
• Keep Meticulous Records: Thorough documentation—such as emails, photos, daily reports, and written agreements—can be invaluable in resolving disputes. In construction, verbal agreements are risky; always put everything in writing.
• Seek Professional Guidance: A construction lawyer or industry expert can review contracts for hidden risks and ensure agreements are fair and enforceable.

Future Strengthening the Industry Through Smart Conflict Management

The construction industry is inherently complex, and disputes are sometimes inevitable. However, by prioritizing clear contracts, proactive risk management, and structured dispute resolution strategies, project teams can minimize disruptions, protect their financial interests, and create stronger working relationships. A project built on transparency and open communication doesn’t just run more smoothly; it fosters trust, strengthens partnerships, and ensures long-term success.

In an industry where every detail matters, overlooking contractual uncertainties can put your business at risk. Don’t leave it to chance—consult a legal professional to safeguard your projects, protect your financial interests, and build a stronger, more resilient future.

This May, the initiative invites companies and crews nationwide to pause work and focus on fall prevention. It’s more than a safety meeting—it’s an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to protecting the hardworking men and women who help build our world.

Understanding the Risk��

The numbers tell a powerful story. Falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for more than one-third (34%) of all fatalities. , over 3,500 workers lost their lives to falls from elevation—often while performing everyday tasks like climbing ladders, working on scaffolding, or navigating unprotected roofs.

These tragedies are so frequent and severe that OSHA has identified falls as one of its —the most deadly risks on job sites—which are emphasized in OSHA’s 10- and 30-hour training programs. Despite decades of awareness, fall protection violations OSHA’s list of most-cited standards every year. But with proactive planning, proper equipment, and a shared culture of safety, employers and workers can stop fall-related injuries before they happen.

“As you see with the data, falls always have the potential to lead to severe outcomes, no matter the fall distance,” says Sean Yakicic, 91������ Risk Management Expertise Specialist. “By consistently driving awareness around the exposure and the methods to control, employees are empowered to keep fall prevention safe work practices top of mind.”

What’s Standing in the Way?

Even with awareness, challenges persist:

• Rushed planning can sometimes overlook critical fall protection needs.
• Incomplete training leaves workers unsure of how to recognize hazards or use safety equipment properly.
• Production pressures can unintentionally sideline safety priorities.

These challenges are real—but they can be overcome with intentional leadership, clear communication, and a culture that always puts people first.

How to Step Up and Take Action

Getting involved in the National Safety Stand-Down is simple, and your efforts can have a big impact:

Demonstrate��proper fall protection practices—from harness inspection to ladder safety techniques.

Review fall rescue plans so every worker knows what to do in an emergency.

Plan Ahead��before every elevated task to ensure safety is built into the work.

Employers and crews don’t need to start from scratch. Organizations like NIOSH, , and CPWR also offer , including:

• Printable safety checklists
• Pre-planned toolbox talks
• Training videos in English and Spanish
• Equipment safety guidelines

A Commitment to Safer Jobsites

The Stand-Down is about more than just compliance—it’s about culture. By working together, we can prevent falls, protect families, and build a stronger, safer industry. “Falls are preventable,” Sean emphasizes. “Let’s all do our part—whatever part that is—to prevent injuries from falling.”

Protecting workers starts with informed action. To discover training materials, planning guides, and real-world solutions designed to help you prevent falls and foster a culture where safety leads the way—visit our Risk Management page.

A Proud History of Progress

Established in 1998, Women in Construction Week was born out of a vision to highlight women as a vital and necessary component of the construction industry. NAWIC, founded in 1953 in Fort Worth, Texas and now boasting over 115 chapters nationwide, has long championed the contributions of women—from overcoming challenges to leading innovative projects that shape our communities. This week serves as both a tribute to the courage and dedication of current professionals and an invitation to future generations to consider the boundless opportunities available in construction.

By the Numbers

Recent statistics paint a promising picture of growth and inclusion in the construction workforce. , construction employment has grown by an impressive 133,000 jobs—with women contributing 18,000 of these new positions. This means that approximately 1 in every 7 construction jobs, or just over 14% of the workforce, is now held by women. Even as the industry navigates fluctuations in job openings—from a record high of about 450,000 early in the year to around 300,000 by September—the steady influx of talented women ensures that the sector remains vibrant, resilient, and full of opportunity.

91������ targets and partners with construction businesses and proudly supports women in the industry. Learn more about our comprehensive construction solutions on our website.

While many commercial insurance carriers rely on agencies to bring their products to potential policyholders, 91������ has prioritized the relationships between our company and our partner agencies – specifically between the individuals on both sides. Since the Partners For Success® program began in 1997, 91������ has realized the success that can grow from developing and nurturing these relationships. Our agency partnerships depend on people connecting, communicating, solving problems together, and creating unique – at times complex – insurance solutions for businesses. No two policyholders are alike, neither are our partnerships, and many truly stand the test of time.

Houston-based is an independently owned risk management and insurance agency that was founded in 1983 by Timothy J. Brady, Ed Chapman, and Lonnie Holland. What started with fewer than 10 employees has grown to become one of the region’s largest privately held agencies. From recessions and the pandemic to industry challenges, 91������ and BCH have navigated their way through the construction industry and insurance world since 1994, and now celebrate a milestone 30-year anniversary of their partnership together.

“91������ has consistently proven that they value partnership over the long haul,” said Jeff Brady, son of the late Timothy J. Brady, who served as the company’s Chairman Emeritus until his passing earlier this year. Timothy inspired his son to join the business, and Jeff presently serves as Chairman and CEO.

Jeff’s son, Tim Brady, has been with the business for 16 years and now serves as President. His career journey was shaped by the BCH-91������ relationship. “I interned with 91������ in St. Louis between my junior and senior year of college and then worked at 91������ for 15 months,” said Brady.
“They built an Associates program for future agency leaders. I rotated through several roles, most notably Risk Management, Underwriting, and Claims. The idea was that I would leave 91������, come to the agency, and work with 91������ from there – which is exactly what happened. It was a perfect avenue for me to learn about each major division of the company and gain the ability to talk to customers about what an underwriter is for, what a loss control person is for, et cetera. The experience was invaluable, and I still have great friends from that time.”

These types of investments and commitments to partnership have made for lasting success, through what can sometimes be intense moments in the world of insurance. “One of the highlights of us delivering on partnership was a severe employee accident at a client business and the response by an 91������ Risk Management Consultant,” said Jeff Brady.

“We had a severe client accident and 91������ was on site in less than an hour. The policyholder, our client, was just amazed. It was the power of partnership literally happening. 91������ had already met and engaged with our client when the accident happened. I immediately contacted 91������ Claims and kept in touch, as they volunteered to go straight to the accident site. That’s the level of support we receive and why we’ve been together this long – 91������ is aligned with our standard of an elevated and personal touch that our clients need, and they respond as such.”

91������’s Vice President of Partnerships, Dan Johnson, has known the BCH team for nearly the entire term of the partnership. “BCH is a prime example of the success of the Partners For Success® program, their contributions to partnership and providing exceptional service to their accounts. They’ve always been a strong contributor at meetings that we host as well. Jeff and his team give us meaningful, valuable feedback to serve their accounts better, and we listen.”

91������ has endeavored to improve product offerings and forms based on feedback.

91������ Regional Vice President, Kendall Clavin, has been working with BCH for the last five years and seen the success through the mutual dedication to partnership: “When I think about 91������ and our great distribution strategy, I think of powerful partnerships and mutual success. Few relationships follow this more truly than the BCH and 91������ relationship. BCH has built a very loyal client base through strong relationships, commitment to consistency, and generating great results together. To do this for 30 years is truly amazing, and I look forward to the strong partnership continuing for many years to come.”

A key to any successful business is working with the right people, both inside and outside the organization, and cultivating relationships that can weather the inevitable obstacles through any company’s journey. 91������ is proud to have agency partnerships through which there is an alignment on the mission to protect businesses and keep workers safe as well as provide best-in-class service.

To learn more about Brady, Chapman, Holland & Associates, Inc., go to . For more information on 91������ and our partnership model, visit 91������.com/Agents.

Equipment theft has emerged as a pressing issue in the United States, with an to businesses ranging from $300 million to $1 billion annually. In addition to the direct financial implications of replacing stolen equipment and materials, there are significant “soft” losses, including project delays, downtime, cost overruns and contractual penalties.

The top 10 states for equipment theft collectively contribute to 63% of reported incidents. The identifies mowers as the most frequently stolen equipment at 41%, followed by loaders (skid loaders, backhoes, and wheel loaders) at 18%, and tractors at 14%. The remaining percentage represents various equipment such as utility vehicles, excavators, forklifts, bulldozers, generators, trenchers, and rollers.

Shielding Your Assets

With such a potential for loss, it is vitally important to safeguard your equipment. Below are some of the ways to actively prevent equipment theft in your business.

For those who own contractor’s equipment or rent equipment from others, be sure to utilize best practices and implement methods to prevent theft:

• Never leave keys in the unit or around the job site. Install barriers, such as fencing with locked entryways, around the entire perimeter.
• Employ to deter and catch potential thieves.
• Avoid leaving equipment unattended at the job site whenever possible. Utilize gang boxes (also known as a work box or toolbox) to store and lock smaller tools and limit easy access.
• Brand your units in a way so they are identifiable and noticeable – such as painting your equipment with bright colors.
• Register your equipment with the .
• Maintain an of equipment for easy identification of missing items.
• Conduct on employees and customers. Employ security guards to patrol equipment storage sites.

If you are renting your equipment to others, identifying your customer base becomes crucial. Measures to prevent theft include:

• Requiring multiple forms of identification from your renters. Insist on proof of insurance and confirm coverage prior to leasing equipment.
• Installing video cameras at rental sites for easy customer identification and to help capture potential theft.
• Ensuring payment methods are valid and that transactions are ; do not allow cash transactions.
• Requiring proof of insurance and confirming coverage prior to leasing equipment.
• Inquiring about the lessee’s intended use and the associated area’s crime score.
• Asking questions such as “Will you be lending this equipment to others?”

Your Robust Rental Contract

Another way you can protect equipment during the rental process is to have a strong rental contract and enforce it. Steps can include:

• Be sure all parties involved clearly understand contract terms.
• Incorporate an insurance clause requiring renters to carry their own property and liability coverage.
• Include a hold harmless clause which waives you from liability upon a loss from equipment.
• Include an assignment clause that limits the lending of equipment to others.
• Add a waiver of damage to your contract to further protect equipment from harm.

Looking Ahead

In the unfortunate event of equipment theft, prompt action is crucial. Act swiftly by contacting law enforcement to report the theft and notifying your insurance carrier promptly. Taking these proactive measures not only accelerates the recovery process but also reinforces your resilience in overcoming setbacks.

For expert guidance on insuring contractors’ equipment and navigating with confidence, visit 91������.com. We’re here to empower you with the tools and support needed to protect your business and as well as your bottom line.

The information provided in this article does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials contained in this article are for general informational purposes only. 

This year’s theme from the NAWIC is “Keys to the Future” and “celebrates the strength and knowledge of women and the vital role they play in shaping the future of the construction industry.” Based in Fort Worth, Texas, the NAWIC was founded in 1953, gained its charter in 1955, and now boasts over 115 chapters nationwide. In honor of WIC Week, check out these ways to celebrate and show awareness.

• Find a near you, and network with other women in the construction industry
• Utilize the WIC Week in documents, on jobsite equipment, or clothing
• Share a photo or story about your experience in the construction industry on social media
• Nominate a local woman in the construction industry for an award or recognition
• Invite a woman in construction to speak in a classroom, business or during a community event
• Research , and share with others to encourage women to get involved in the industry
• Offer to advertise construction job openings on your website or newspaper for free, or at a discounted price
• Host a STEM or skilled trades event that enables girls and women to experience tools, jobsite management and other construction opportunities

91������ targets and partners with construction businesses and proudly supports women in the industry. Learn more about our comprehensive construction solutions here.