Every scaffolding business should have proper insurance, yet it is not always easy to obtain. Scaffolding is a high risk business, so some insurance agencies do not offer it. However, it is because it is a high risk industry that it is especially important that you make sure that you are properly covered.

Why do Scaffolders need Insurance?

There are hundreds of risks associated with the erection and removal of scaffolding. Whilst most of these risks can be mitigated, some of them are completely unavoidable. You need insurance as a backup plan in case something does go wrong.

Examples of things that can go wrong around scaffolding include; workers falling, workers being hit by falling items, the public being hit by falling items, and workers dropping items on themselves, or the public.

All tradespeople are also at risk from falling victim to the theft of their equipment.

Types of Insurance

Employers Liability Insurance is essential for any scaffolding business which has employees. All businesses and tradespeople who directly employ workers to work for them are required to have employee liability insurance by law. This should cover full time members of staff as well as temporary workers, casual workers and contractors who are hired in to do jobs for you.

When you are looking at getting insurance, make sure that it covers these groups of people. This type of insurance is designed to cover people who get injured or ill because of something which happened to them in the workplace. For example, this would be used to pay compensation to an employee who was injured after falling off of a piece of scaffolding.

Scaffolders should also look into getting public liability insurance in addition to other insurance types. Public liability insurance is designed to protect your company if you are declared to be legally liable for any scaffolding injuries claims or property damage which has affected a third party (i.e. not your employees or the person who has contracted in your services).

Good public liability insurance will also help to cover the legal costs which are associated with this type of claim. It is important for scaffolders to have this type of insurance, even if they are very careful and follow all health and safety regulations.

Another type of insurance that is useful for scaffolders is plant and machinery insurance. This cover is designed specifically for the equipment which you use as part of your routine. Damage, theft or loss of this equipment can significantly reduce your earning potential, so it is important that you take out insurance to cover your equipment in certain circumstances.

Things to watch out for

Some companies which do offer scaffold insurance impose restrictions on what may be covered, and they give certain circumstances in which the insurance may become invalid. You must make sure that you understand the terms of your insurance so that you do not do anything to accidentally invalidate it.

One of the most common restrictions that is imposed on scaffolders is a height restriction on the scaffolding that they erect. When you are arranging your insurance you should double check whether the insurer will put a height restriction in place. If you do have a height restriction in place, you should make sure that you never build higher than this level, or else you may not be covered for any accidents that might occur.

You may also be covered by regional restrictions. If you plan on doing any work outside of the country where you are based, you will need to check with your insurer to see whether you would be covered. If you are not covered then you will have to look into getting separate insurance to cover you whilst you are away.

Where to Buy Scaffolder Insurance?

The best place to start your search for scaffolder insurance is the internet. Most insurers have pages where they clearly set out the benefits, restrictions and omissions from their insurance policies. They may also show you information about additional types of cover that you are able to purchase on an optional basis.

It is best to start by looking at companies which offer business insurance, as not all providers offer this type of cover. Once you have found an insurer that meets your needs, you should call them up to discuss the particulars of your quote. Whilst some insurers allow you to input your details online, most insurance companies will prefer to discuss business quotes over the phone, because there are so many subtleties which make every business unique. During this discussion, the insurer will try to tailor your cover so that it meets your needs perfectly. You should take this opportunity to ask your insurance provider for any guidance about anything in your new policy that you feel unsure about.

Most insurers have to offer a 14 day cooling off period in case you change your mind.