Catastrophes like floods, fires, earthquakes, tornados and hurricanes can cause widespread property damage — suddenly forcing families out of their homes and in need of temporary housing. Many of those displaced are eligible for coverage of the…
In today's fast-paced world, consumers increasingly demand more value for lower costs and quicker service. This trend extends to strata building management, which faces unique challenges due to the need for uncompromising attention to detail. With th…
Given recent media interest regarding reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), Sedgwick’s liability claims services group consider what the potential issues are, and what the current liability implications might be. What is RAAC? Autoclaved…
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the construction industry accounts for 38% of total global energy-related CO2 emissions, and some estimates suggest that investing in a more resilient infrastructure could save humanity a …
This may be hard to believe, given that it’s now outlawed due to its adverse impact on human health, but asbestos was once considered a “miracle mineral.” Because asbestos is abundantly available and has some industrially useful properties, it was ve…
Emerging technologies and robotic assemblies are paving the way for automation to become a meaningful part of life. Efficiency, safety, productivity and convenience are a few reasons behind the increased dependency on such technologies. From a financ…
Corporate citizenship has become a business imperative in recent years and the pressure is on for organizations to develop strategies and deliver initiatives that showcase regard for a healthier planet. As environmental concerns escalate, sustainable…
Companies in the cannabis industry face a unique set of risks, from dispensary theft to greenhouse fires. On the property side, losses can range anywhere from a few thousand to upwards of a million dollars depending on the circumstances. For small st…
Forest fires are a natural phenomena that occur in many parts of the world. In recent years, however, forest fires have become more frequent and more severe due to climate change. Canadian forest fires are currently affecting states in the US. As of …
Forensic engineering involves investigating failures or performance problems in order to determine their cause. Experts in this field apply engineering concepts and scientific principles to analyze properties, systems or structures that are not funct…
May is Building Safety Month, an international campaign to raise awareness about the importance of building safety and what it takes to create and maintain safe, sustainable and resilient structures. As building consultants for Sedgwick’s property so…
A recent report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change painted a dire picture of the health of planet Earth and its fragile environment being pushed to the brink. As outlined in the scientific report, human behaviours since …
On 5 December 2022, five people were found guilty at Burnley Magistrates Court of illegally demolishing the Grade II listed Punch Bowl Inn in Ribble Valley, Lancashire. They are due to be sentenced on 8 March 2023. The 18th-century pub closed in 20…
As reported in the Financial Times, on 31 August 2022, the head of one of the world’s largest building materials companies confirmed that he’s seeing a ‘second wave of cost increases’ following the surge in gas prices. Spiralling energy prices are …
Subsidence claims can be expensive and time consuming to manage, often taking up to a year or more to resolve. However, the ability to track building geometry from space is edging closer, and this will mean insurers and claims management companies ca…