It’s easy to forget things when you’re thinking about Christmas and the holidays, as well as rushing to finish off projects for demanding customers. Here are ten things you should remember:
1. Secure your sites before you go (and take your tools with you)
They’re more vulnerable to thieves when closed up for the holidays, as no one is regularly on site and neighbours may be away. Make sure they’re as secure as possible and take your tools off-site, and out of your truck, and put them somewhere safe.
If you’re leaving a container on site make sure it has a high grade lock. Consider other security measures also, such as cameras or GPS trackers for expensive equipment.
Make sure you leave your sites clean and tidy also, as a messy site can invite vandals, arsonists and other troublemakers.
2. Remember to arrange travel insurance well before you leave
Don’t leave it to the last minute, you might not be able to get it at short notice, and it’s even more difficult once you’ve started your trip. And don’t even think about going overseas without it, as some recent stories in the news have highlighted. Compared to the cost of medical treatment, lost luggage or cancelled plans, it’s well worth it.
3. Notify your insurer in writing if you’re going away for a long period
House insurance policies have exclusions if a property is unoccupied for a period of time, which could be as short as 14 days. Check your policy, and if you’re going away for a long break,k make sure you’ve let them know.
The same applies if you’re going to leave a site vacant for a long period of time. Contract works insurance has an exclusion for claims if there has been no work on site for a certain period (usually between 45-90 days depending on the policy).
4. Are you having house sitters or Airbnb guests over the holidays?
You need to inform your insurer if this is something you regularly do, or you risk not being covered.
5. Take sensible precautions before you leave home
This means leaving some curtains open, putting lights on a timer, and having someone clear your letter box (and ideally mow the lawns) while you’re away. Also, don’t pile up your Christmas present wrapping and boxes on the roadside before you go away, do it once you get back.
6. Insure any new drones, e-bikes or scooters, jewellery, motorbikes, vehicles, boats, caravans, motor homes, expensive electronics, jet skis, guns, rods or other toys before you drive them away or leave them unattended
It may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s important to arrange insurance on any expensive purchases before you pick them up. This includes increasing your contents sum insured and notifying your insurer of items that must be separately listed on your contents policy, such as jewellery, expensive e-bikes and larger drones.
Murphy’s Law says it’s in the small window between picking up the new car and arranging the insurance that an accident will happen! And thieves are very active over Christmas, so any expensive gifts should be insured too.
7. Make sure you’re roadworthy (vehicles and trailers)
Check your registration and warrant are up to date and the vehicle is in good condition before taking off on a road trip (tyre pressure OK, lights work, oil checked, etc). This equally applies to your trailer (tyres, lights, chassis, axle and towbar). Don’t overload your trailer either, in the event of an accident, this may affect your insurance. Finally, remember to check that your driver’s license is current! Check out NZTA’s guide for safe loading and towing: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/glovebox-guide-safe-loading-towing/guide-safe-loading-towing/
8. Set up an emergency protocol
You don’t want to be bothered by every little thing that might happen while you’re away. At the same time, some issues can’t be left until you get back. Agree with your workers and customers what is considered to be an emergency and what can be addressed later. Provide a list of emergency contacts, such as other trades/subbies, your insurance provider etc.
9. Cover up in the sun
One of our customers has had a recent cancer scare, and it reminded me of how at risk we are in the harsh NZ sun. Every year, 90,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, and 2,800 invasive melanomas are diagnosed. Make sure if you’re outside over Summer, you and your loved ones are covered up and sun protected, whether that’s at the beach, on the water, or just lounging in the backyard.
10. Recharge your own batteries
After a tough year, mentally and physically, the holidays are a chance to unwind, disconnect and recharge. Make sure you take advantage of this time, try not to “take work with you”. This is easier physically when you’re not on site but mentally and emotionally it can be a challenge. We know that the construction industry has poor statistics when it comes to mental health and suicide, use this time to reflect on your own health and take action if you need support.
With all that covered, you can relax and enjoy a well-deserved break. Give us a call on 0800 284 584 or email [email protected] if there’s anything we can help with. Merry Christmas! From the team at Builtin.
