Business Clinic: How can we prepare for extreme weather?

Whether it’s a legal, tax, insurance, management or land issue, Farmers Weekly’s experts can help. Here, Jeremy Mitchell, associate director at A-Plan Rural Insurance, sets out how farmers and landowners can prepare for extreme weather and minimise its effects on the business.

Q. With UK weather increasingly unpredictable, I’m worried about snow, ice and wind damage to my buildings, machinery and livestock. There is also the risk of slips, trips and falls by employees and visitors (we have a farm shop and café) and the possible insurance claims that may arise.

What are the best practical measures that I can take to reduce extreme weather risks to my business, and at the same time reduce the likelihood of having to make a claim?

A. It’s a good idea to anticipate trouble as the UK’s weather becomes ever more erratic.

Even the best-engineered buildings will struggle when hit by extreme weather, so it’s important to take the necessary measures to ensure they are fit to cope with things like snow load and high winds.

See also: Business Clinic: does insurance cover costs of fly tipping?

While it has been mandatory since 2014 for all fabricated steel structures to be CE marked – which should ensure that buildings are fit for the geographical areas in which they’re situated – we all know that farms are dotted with old and historic buildings that have seen better days.

Creating a checklist and dealing with problems on a continuing basis could prevent bigger costs later on. Measures that will help include:

• Carrying out visual inspections at least once a year and keeping a building maintenance plan.  
• Checking buildings and roofs are structurally sound, particularly load bearing parts like the gable ends. If not, insurers are unlikely to provide cover. Misrepresenting a risk could result in the claim being voided and the premium retained anyway.
• Carrying out essential work as soon as possible – blocked gutters, drains and downpipes, general cracks and leaks.
• Implementing local and large-scale flood defences such as ditching, barriers and automated air bricks. It’s also worth keeping up to date with local planning and flood alleviation schemes.
• Regularly inspecting trees at risk of wind damage, especially those near buildings or machinery.
• Ensuring pipes and header tanks are insulated and keeping heating switched on in unused buildings to help prevent freezing.
• Removing heavy snow from roofs to prevent them from collapsing.
• Keeping on top of general checks and repairs relating to things such as chimneys, boiler servicing and oil levels.

Carrying out emergency measures and repairs when extreme weather has hit can be dangerous. If you are removing snow and ice from roofs, for example, never work alone, secure ladders properly, and be mindful of power lines.

Insurance can be tailored to cover machinery, produce, farm buildings and livestock that all may be damaged or injured by extreme weather. Specific covers that could be helpful include storm, hail, weight of snow, flood, escape of water and/or fuel, and cover for increased cost of working. Some brokers or other insurance providers will also be able to include additional covers such as tree removal costs or loss of metered water.

Visitor and employee protection

To protect what is an essential stream of extra income for many, certain things should be implemented, such as:

• Clear signage and supervision so visitors don’t wander into hazardous areas
• The removal of any tripping hazards
• On-site first aid station
• Covid-19 safety measures including hand sanitiser and information signs
• Gritting pathways in icy or wet conditions.

Public and Employer Liability are must-haves, as they ensure that businesses are covered should a member of the public or an employee be injured or suffer a loss or damage to their property while on your farm.

The right types and levels of cover, along with a risk-aware approach, can make an important contribution in reducing business risk in these challenging times.