In surveying, even a minor oversight can have significant consequences. Here’s why good risk management and the right protection matter.
Surveying is a profession where precision matters. Measurements, plans, reports and professional advice can all be relied upon by clients and other professionals when making important decisions.
That means a small error, omission or misunderstanding can sometimes develop into a much larger problem.
How Can a Small Error Become a Major Claim?
A surveying project rarely exists in isolation. Information produced by a surveyor may be used by engineers, architects, builders, developers, property owners and other professionals.
If an error isn’t identified early, it may be incorporated into subsequent work. By the time the issue is discovered, several parties may have relied upon the original information, potentially increasing the cost of correcting the problem.
What began as a seemingly minor oversight can therefore result in delays, additional costs and a dispute.
Where Can Risks Arise?
While every surveying business is different, some common areas where errors or misunderstandings can occur include:
- Incorrect measurements or calculations
- Errors or omissions in plans and documentation
- Failing to identify discrepancies between existing information and site conditions
- Relying on outdated information
- Misunderstanding a client’s instructions or scope of work
- Failing to clearly communicate assumptions or limitations
- Inadequate checking or review before information is issued
- Insufficient records of instructions, communications or decisions
The goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate every possible mistake — that’s unrealistic in any professional environment.
Instead, effective risk management is about having processes that help identify, minimise and manage potential problems before they escalate.
Simple Processes Can Help Reduce Risk
Good risk management can often be incorporated into the everyday operation of a surveying business.
Check Important Work
Having a consistent process for reviewing measurements, calculations, plans and reports before they are issued can help identify errors early.
Keep Clear Records
Maintaining relevant correspondence, instructions, plans, notes and approvals can provide an important record of what was requested and what was communicated.
Clarify the Scope
Making sure the client understands what is — and isn’t — included in an engagement can help reduce misunderstandings later.
Communicate Early
If information doesn’t appear correct, circumstances change or additional work is requested, raising the issue early can help prevent a small problem from becoming a larger one.
Review Your Procedures
Business practices, technology and client expectations continue to evolve. Regularly reviewing internal procedures can help ensure risk management practices remain appropriate.
What Happens When Something Does Go Wrong?
Even with strong processes in place, mistakes can happen.
Professional Indemnity insurance can provide an important layer of protection for professionals facing certain claims arising from their professional services.
For surveyors, this can be particularly important given the potential financial consequences associated with allegations of professional error, negligence or omissions.
Insurance shouldn’t replace good risk management — the two work together.
Strong processes can help reduce the likelihood of a claim, while appropriate insurance can help provide protection when something goes wrong.
How ACSIS Can Help
At ACSIS, we understand that surveyors face risks that can be unique to the profession. From professional advice and documentation to equipment, business operations and client relationships, having the right protection in place is an important part of managing those risks.
ACSIS works with insurance brokers to provide insurance solutions designed specifically for the surveying profession. Our range of products can help address some of the key risks faced by surveying businesses, including Professional Indemnity, Public & Products Liability, Business Insurance, Equipment & Portable Tools, Cyber Insurance and Management Liability.
Our focus is on supporting the surveying profession with insurance solutions that recognise the nature of the work surveyors do and the risks they can encounter.
If you’re unsure whether your current insurance arrangements provide the protection your business needs, speak with your insurance broker or contact ACSIS to find out more.
A Small Check Today Could Prevent a Much Bigger Problem Tomorrow
For surveying businesses, effective risk management doesn’t always require complicated changes.
Sometimes it’s as simple as taking an extra moment to check the details, clarify an instruction or document an important decision.
Because when your work is relied upon by others, small details can have big consequences.
Recommended Reading
Looking to strengthen your business risk management? These Australian resources may help:
Risk Management for Your Business – business.gov.au
A practical overview of identifying, assessing and managing risks that could affect your business.
Make a Risk Management Plan – business.gov.au
A step-by-step guide to identifying risks, assessing their likelihood and consequences, and putting strategies in place to manage them.