The Cost of Ignoring UXO Risks

When it comes to construction and development projects, there are countless risks to manage, but one that is often overlooked is unexploded ordnance (UXO).

Failing to identify and address UXO risks can lead to catastrophic consequences that extend far beyond a simple delay in work. From project standstills and budget overruns to safety hazards and reputational damage, ignoring UXO risks can have long-lasting and costly repercussions for any company.

The presence of UXO is more common than many realise. Construction sites in the UK are often at risk of encountering munitions left over from both world wars, military training and weapons manufacturing. A single UXO find can halt an entire project, lead to evacuations of the surrounding area, and require the immediate involvement of specialists, all of which can stretch budgets, timelines, and resources.

Project Delays

One of the most immediate and noticeable impacts of encountering UXO on a construction site is the delay it can cause.

Construction or infrastructure work often grinds to a halt the moment a suspicious object is discovered, (and rightly so, given the potentially deadly consequences!) This can lead to unplanned downtime, often for several days or even weeks while specialists assess the situation, and can have all sorts of knock-on effects, impacting budgets and project timelines.

For example, in 2019, Brimstone spent 12 months on a housing development site that had been shut down by the Health and Safety Executive due to extensive UXO contamination. Our research team was able to identify the presence of a military scrap yard on site during and after WWII, and it appeared there had been significant unauthorised disposal of ammunition in the area.

We deployed an armoured excavator to uncover the UXO, supervised by one of our advanced EOD engineers wearing body armour and a ballistic helmet. More than 3,500 individual items of UXO were recovered and destroyed on-site in explosive demolitions. We were then able to hand the site back to the client, enabling them to finally proceed with their construction project.

Increased Costs

Delays are just the beginning when it comes to the financial impact of UXO. Unplanned UXO services can add significant expenses to your project budget, from risk assessments to emergency removal services. Emergency disposal teams, specialist equipment, and potential evacuations can all lead to unexpected costs that weren’t factored into original project budgets.

By not proactively addressing the UXO risk before starting a project, companies can end up paying far more for reactive measures.

Safety Hazards

Above all, the most significant risk in ignoring UXO is, of course, safety.

If disturbed, UXO can detonate, leading to loss of life, severe injury, and destruction of equipment and property. This presents a significant hazard to workers on-site, local residents, and the environment.

Items of UXO degrade over time, becoming more volatile, however, they will not spontaneously explode. They require an external event to create the conditions for a detonation to occur. This could be a change in temperature, vibration or a direct impact, for example from piling or excavation works. In some cases, the clock timer in the fuse may be restarted if the item is disturbed by direct contact or vibration. This is why it is essential that UXO risks are investigated prior to construction and development works that include ground intrusions.

Sadly, there have been several recent incidents where construction workers have been injured or killed due to unexploded ordnance. In 2021 four construction workers were injured in Munich, Germany after drilling equipment struck and detonated a buried 500lb bomb. In 2014, a construction worker was killed and eight others were injured after a digger accidentally struck an unexploded bomb during excavation work in Euskirchen, Germany. More recently, in 2022 there was an incident near the Brimstone UXO Midlands office where a construction worker was badly burned after his digger unknowingly struck a crate of SIP grenades.

These incidents illustrate the very real and life-threatening dangers of UXO. While many items might seem inert after lying dormant for decades, they can become deadly if disturbed.

Reputational Risk

Beyond the immediate safety and financial concerns, failing to address UXO risks can damage your company’s reputation and harm company culture around health and safety.

In today’s business environment, clients and stakeholders hold companies to high standards regarding safety and due diligence. A UXO-related incident that makes headlines can permanently damage a company’s public image, leading to strained relationships with clients and investors and difficulty securing future contracts.

A highly publicised UXO discovery or accident may suggest a lack of professionalism and oversight. Companies that are seen to neglect UXO risks may be penalised not only by regulatory bodies but also in the court of public opinion. A company’s reputation as a responsible, safety-conscious developer is hard to rebuild after such an incident.

Legal and Regulatory Consequences

While the UK does not have specific legislation defining the steps you must take to check for UXO before construction or development work begins, there are legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and CDM2015 to ensure the health and safety of employees. There is also CIRIA C681 – the industry guide for the management of risk associated with UXO.

Failing to comply with these regulations can lead to hefty fines, legal action, and even the shutdown of construction sites. Companies found to be in violation of health and safety laws due to UXO-related incidents can face legal repercussions, not only from regulators but also from injured workers or affected communities.

How Brimstone UXO Can Help

Mitigating UXO risks is an investment in the future of your project.

To avoid costly mistakes and ensure the safety of everyone on site, companies should proactively manage UXO risks with the help of trained specialists. At Brimstone UXO, we offer a comprehensive suite of UXO services designed to mitigate these dangers from the very beginning of your project. Our services include:

• UXO Risk Assessments: We identify potential risks based on historical data and research-led desktop studies.
• Intrusive and Non-Intrusive Surveys: Our advanced surveys can explore beneath the surface and detect buried ferrous objects, from land service ammunition to deep buried bombs.
• On-Site Support: We provide a range of on-site support services to manage UXO risks during construction and excavation activities. By having a presence on site during your work, our UXO engineers are available to offer immediate assistance, ensuring that any suspected UXO finds are handled swiftly and safely.
• UXO Disposal: If ordnance is found, we have the licenses and expertise to safely dispose of it, ensuring your site remains safe.
• Training: We can provide safety training to your team online or in person to equip them with the expertise needed to respond effectively to UXO incidents. This newfound confidence can be a game-changer, ensuring both your team’s safety and the success of your project.

By partnering with Brimstone UXO, you can ensure the safety of your project, avoid costly delays, and maintain your company’s reputation as a responsible, safety-conscious developer.

Don’t let UXO risks become a hidden danger – contact Brimstone UXO today to learn how we can keep your projects safe, on time, and on budget.

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