Three Critical Risks Impacting General Contractors Today

In the recent General Contractors Risk Report, selective insurance went on to identify labour, inflation, as well as subcontractor risks as three significant economic risks for general contractors.

As per the Vice President of Contractors for Selective Insurance, Jim Albi, construction happens to be an inherently high-risk sector given the exposure as well as its reliance on factors that happen to be macro-economic, such as supply chain, commodity pricing, demand in housing, and labour dynamics. In the case of general contractors, their capacity when it comes to identifying, anticipating, as well as managing the workplace risk range can gauge their projects’ success and, more significantly, their resilience as far as business is concerned.

Select Insurance’s recent contractors risk report highlights the risks that happen to be associated with the construction sector. The challenges include

Inflation: Escalating commodity and material prices enhance the need for adequate protection when it comes to property damage during the course of construction projects. General contractors must in advance address the risk in order to safeguard the operations and make sure of profitability.

Labour Shortage: The construction sector continues to suffer because of the shortage of skilled labour, and due to this, general contractors face the issue of getting on board inexperienced workers, which in turn leads to higher injury incidents and also increased claims when it comes to workers’ compensation. It is well to be noted that strategies to attract and retain qualified personnel are crucial for long-term success.

Subcontractor Risks: The errors related to subcontractors and their responsibility have long been a matter of grave concern for the contractors. That said, the present environment, which comes with high prices, scarcity of labour, and material shortages, elevates this risk all the more. General contractors, therefore, must ensure to adopt sturdy risk management strategies so as to lessen the probable impact of errors by subcontractors on both their projects and their reputation.

The General Contractors Risk Report also went on to offer a forecast for the remaining year, which included:

Diversity of workforce: The construction sector will go on to offer and prioritise efforts in order to attract more women as well as minorities, have a greater proportion of inclusivity, and thereby expand its talent pool.

Increase in multi-use properties: The demand for multi-use properties, which are a combination of corporate, entertainment, and residential opportunities, is increasing. The fact is that the general contractors must go on to predict the shift and, hence, adapt the strategy the way it ought to be.

Advancements in technology: Apparently, the integration of technology is going to become increasingly prevalent across all aspects of the operations’ of general contractors. Accepting innovation will help elevate productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness within the sector.

Shortage of drivers: A dearth of drivers who have commercial licences is anticipated to be there, thereby posing logistical issues when it comes to general contractors. Moving towards strategic partnerships as well as alternative transportation solutions can help mitigate these hurdles.

Price volatility concerning commodities: The construction sector is anticipated to go through fluctuations when it comes to the prices of commodities, thereby requiring general contractors to maintain swift procurement strategies and also adapt themselves to the changing market conditions.

Expansion and diversification of business: To succeed in a marketplace that happens to be pretty dynamic, general contractors can go on to discover opportunities so as to expand in the concerned fields like design-build and also offer overall, one-stop turnkey services. Besides, single-trade contractors can look for growth by branching out into general contracting as well as multiple trades.

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