Crisis Management for Artisan Contractors

When disaster strikes, it’s important for companies to be as effective as possible when it comes to responding. A company’s initial response to a moment of crisis is crucial to employees and the overall operations of a business. For contractors who work out in the field and who work around inherently dangerous materials and environments, it’s important to develop a multi-phase plan to help navigate through any situation.

Initial Response

The first hour of any crisis situation is the most important when it comes to assessing the situation, keeping everyone safe, and knowing what steps to take next. Whether it’s a fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, snowstorm, or other scenarios, it helps to know who to call first.

To start off, call 911 if anyone is injured or other emergency personnel is needed onsite. While first responders are on their way, administer CPR or first aid if needed and be sure to secure the site.

Next, it’s important to contact necessary personnel to keep them informed of the incident. From the company CEO or leadership down to the project owner and legal contact, contractors should get on the line right away to give them the details. This also includes getting in touch with the company’s artisan contractor insurance representative who can help with response and resource.

It’s also imperative that someone take the reigns as a spokesperson for the company in the time of crisis. If a company doesn’t have a media contact, leadership is most likely the right point of contact.

Investigation and Follow-Up

After the situation is under control, or enough to begin an investigation, it’s important to look for structural collapse, water leaks, gas leaks, fires, or other issues, such as damage to existing facilities or other private or public property.

After the first 24 hours, it’s important to limit media and sightseers who may be interested in seeing what is happening. From closing gates to securing equipment, a site needs to be as secure and private as possible. Next, the investigation should continue on with documenting the site through pictures, video, and written notes. It helps to establish who was involved in the situation and what work was being performed when the issue occurred.

When enough investigation is performed, send home employees who are not involved and who are not injured. Those who have garnered any sort of injury should be taken to the hospital or receive help while a company representative is present.

It’s imperative to follow these steps to cut down on the risks and follow-up liabilities that can present themselves when unforeseen disasters strike. While not everything can be planned for, having a response plan in place can help to cut down on potential avoidable risks.

About Tangram Insurance Services

Located across the Golden Gate Bridge, just outside of San Francisco, Tangram Insurance Services is a full-service Managing General Underwriter and Program Manager offering specialty programs. We focus on industry-relevant coverage, competitive pricing, and practical business and risk management solutions for your clients. Since we are not all things to all people, we make sure to create outstanding custom-built solutions that matter to those businesses, and the brokers who serve those industries. Contact us at (888) 744-9810.