Civil engineers in water industry have most risk

Wastewater plants, sewage and water treatment systems are the most risky types of projects for civil engineering firms, according to a study by insurer DPIC.

DPIC’s “Risk Drivers” study analyzed 8,687 claim files for design professionals from 1996 to 2000, including 2,328 claims from civil engineers. Overall it found that civil engineers are a lower than average risk compared to other design professionals. Civil engineers account for 25% of DPIC claims by count, and 21% by dollars.

The high risk wastewater, sewage and water treatment systems accounted for 25% of claims dollars by civil engineers. The lower risk projects were roads and highways (11% of claims dollars), malls and retail (2%), and low rise commercial and industrial buildings (4%).