Fires on construction sites often preventable

In addition to the material damage that can occur in the event of a fire, there are often high costs for repairing the damage. Fires can also lead to personal accidents. There are many causes of fires. According to the Association of Cantonal Building Insurers (VKG), a construction site fire is often caused by an incorrectly disposed of cigarette, flying sparks or even a lamp that has been placed too close to combustible material. 

Conviction of those responsible possible

After a fire, police investigations are carried out to clarify the cause of the fire. If there are indications of negligence, criminal proceedings are initiated. This can lead to a conviction of those responsible for the fire. In addition, the resulting insurance issues must be clarified and settled. This often involves a great deal of additional work.

Dealing with the risk of fire on a construction site is made more difficult by the large number of people involved. They face a wide variety of different and changing challenges on an almost daily basis. Simple measures can prevent construction site fires and avoid negative consequences. Past studies have shown that most fires on construction sites could have been avoided.

Fact sheet and checklists to help

The cantonal building insurers and the Association of Cantonal Fire Insurers (VKF) have therefore set themselves the goal of sensitizing all those involved in construction to the issue. Together with other associations and companies, they have published a leaflet and associated checklists. Time and cost pressures often lead to careless and dangerous working methods. The leaflet highlights the most important risks. It suggests simple measures with which these risks can be minimized. If a fire occurs despite protective measures, the completed checklist helps to show that the necessary fire prevention measures have been taken.

Until recently, there was no comprehensive overview of the applicable regulations and recommendations for fire prevention on construction sites. The VKF closes this gap, supplemented by the prevention commitment of the cantonal building insurers. The VKF and its project partners see their offer as a free service accessible to all. Well-trained and instructed employees will be better able to assess the risks involved in handling the work equipment used in future. Adhering to the deliberately brief checklist tips will protect them and those around them in their daily work.

More information: www.vkg.ch/baustellen