Summer is often the ideal time for schools to complete construction, renovation, and maintenance projects while students are off campus. Any construction activity on school property, however, presents a unique set of risks that require careful planning and oversight. Even during the summer months, many schools host athletic programs, camps, and community activities, and many administrative staff members work through the summer.

Construction projects can expose schools to liability related to injuries, environmental hazards, property damage, security concerns, and disruptions to critical infrastructure and services. Managing these risks requires coordination between school leaders, facilities teams, contractors, insurance professionals, and other stakeholders.

The following checklist can help schools reduce risk, maintain a safe campus, and shepherd construction projects from planning through completion.

Planning

Ensure Adequate Insurance Coverage

Before any work begins, ensure that the contracts your school signs have appropriate risk allocation provisions. Risk can be allocated in a number of ways, including the contractor assuming the risk, the risk being split between the contractor and the school, or the school accepting the risk. If the contractor is assuming any risk, request proof of their insurance coverage. If the school is assuming the risk, contact your insurance broker to adjust the school's coverage.

Verify Contractor Qualifications and Compliance

Confirm that contractors are properly licensed, bonded, and experienced working in school settings. Require documentation of OSHA training, safety records, and compliance with state and local regulations. Make sure that contractors are aware of the school's child protection expectations and visitor policies.

Develop Emergency Response and Incident Plans

Establish procedures for medical emergencies, fires, utility disruptions, severe weather, and security incidents during construction. Ensure contractors and school personnel know evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and reporting responsibilities. Review how construction may affect fire alarms, sprinklers, or access for first responders.

Site Safety

Restrict Access to Construction Zones

Use secure fencing, locked gates, warning signs, and controlled access points to keep students, staff, and visitors away from active work zones and construction materials. Create clearly marked pedestrian detours and safe pickup and drop-off paths if hosting programs during construction. Consider separate entrances for construction vehicles, which may have blind spots that make seeing children challenging.

Control Environmental Hazards

Monitor and reduce dust, noise, vibration, and air-quality risks. Use dust barriers, negative air machines, proper ventilation, and safe material handling procedures to protect children and staff.

Schedule High-Risk Work Strategically

Perform noisy, hazardous, or disruptive activities such as demolition, crane lifts, utility shutdowns, or geothermal or well drilling during hours when few people will be on campus.

Compliance and Communication

Monitor Site Conditions Continuously

Conduct regular walkthroughs and safety inspections throughout the project. Document hazards, near misses, corrective actions, and contractor compliance with safety expectations. Keep good records. Proper documentation can help reduce disputes and support insurance or legal claims if issues arise.

Maintain Lines of Communication

Communicate regularly with contractors about schedules, changes to the project, and safety procedures. Relay appropriate information to school administrators and determine how to best communicate project updates to teachers and school families.

The Bottom Line

Successful projects require more than completing work on time and within budget. They also depend on protecting students, staff, visitors, and property throughout the process. By planning ahead, maintaining clear communication, enforcing safety protocols, and monitoring project conditions closely, schools can reduce liability exposures and help ensure construction activities do not compromise campus safety or operations.

A proactive approach to construction risk management helps schools avoid costly disruptions, injuries, and claims while creating safer, more effective learning environments for the school year ahead.