If you own a scaffolding company or operate in the scaffolding industry then you are aware of the potential dangers. Even when all safety precautions are followed, construction sites are dangerous places to work. Having public liability insurance for your scaffolding business is essential for this reason. This article will explain what scaffolding public liability insurance is, why it is necessary and how to obtain the right amount of coverage for your business.
What does scaffolding public liability insurance covers?
Scaffolding public liability insurance covers the following:
- Bodily injury or death to members of the public caused by the scaffolding structure or equipment. This includes injuries from slips, trips, or falls on the scaffolding, or injuries from falling objects.
- Property damage to third-party property. For example, if the scaffolding collapses and damages nearby buildings or vehicles.
- Legal costs and expenses. The insurance will cover the costs of defending a claim in court, even if you are found not liable.
- Compensation payouts. The insurance will cover the costs of any compensation awarded to a member of the public in the event you are found liable for an injury or property damage.
- 24-hour coverage. The insurance provides coverage even when the scaffolding is left unattended or overnight.
- Pollution incidents. The insurance covers the costs of any environmental damage caused by the release of pollutants from the scaffolding.
- Defective workmanship. The insurance covers claims arising from faulty erection or dismantling of the scaffolding.
- Fines and penalties. The insurance covers the costs of any fines or penalties imposed as a result of a breach in health and safety laws relating to the scaffolding.
Do scaffolders need professional indemnity insurance?
Yes, we recommend professional indemnity insurance for scaffolders. It shields scaffolders from legal action.
Scaffolders operate at height and are responsible for the erection of temporary structures which is use to support employees and materials during construction and maintenance projects.
Scaffolders may be liable for damages or injuries if their safety precautions fail. Professional indemnity insurance covers legal fees and compensation claims from such situations.
Why do you need scaffolding public liability insurance in Uk?
If a third party is hurt or their property is harmed due to your job you will be covered by public liability insurance. You will be covered by public liability insurance if any of these events take place:
- Causing damage to another’s property by dropping a tool from a high place.
- A member of the public slipping over unmanaged scaffolding equipment makes up a liability.
- Accidents resulting from poor scaffolding construction
Best scaffolding public liability insurance companies in UK
AXA scaffolding public liability insurance:
Customers have praised AXA’s extensive coverage options and affordable pricing, which can be found on the company’s website. Even if you are unable to acquire coverage through their website, you can call them to discuss your demands. They may be able to offer you a customized or third-party-sourced policy that meets your specific requirements.
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Aviva insurance for scaffolders
If you engage in business operations that Aviva promotes, you cannot go wrong by purchasing one of their policies. Their high rating is further evidence of the quality of their customer service.
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What are the claims a scaffolder usually faces?
- Poor scaffolding construction causes its collapse.
- Damage to scaffolding caused by extreme weather
- Equipment Falling From a Great Height
- Claims from employees who slip and fall on the job
- Claims filed by injured workers against the company by contractors and subcontractors.
- Scaffolders are being sued by local state workers compensation due to claims made by contractors and subcontractors for damage to the structures they are working on.
- Penalties for violating occupational safety and health regulations
- Workplace discrimination claims, such as wrongful termination, can be expensive to litigate.
How much is scaffolding insurance?
Scaffolding insurance costs depend on location, coverage, and scaffolding size.
- Scaffolding insurance cost $15-$50 a day or $40-$150 or more a week, depending on location and the size and type of scaffolding. Rates may be daily, weekly, or monthly, and charged separately for each frame section, each wheel, and each guard rail.
- For most jobs that require scaffolding, the cost of the scaffolding itself is usually included in the quote provided by professional tradespeople. However, if you need to independently source scaffolding, the cost can range from £20-£25 per month on average.
What Are The Minimum Standards For A Safe Scaffold?
If you want to ensure that you’re following the rules of your new policy then our knowledgeable staff is available to assist you. We usually recommend the following minimum requirements:
- Employers must plan and coordinate height jobs, even under 2 meters. Risk assessment and security equipment management require skilled workers. Regularly inspect and maintain relevant equipment.
- Install personal fall arrest devices, guardrails, and working platforms to avoid employee falls.
- Handrails must be at least 950 millimeters high for use in construction and structural engineering. The maximum allowable space between the top rail and the intermediate rails is 470 mm.
- Only a qualified and competent individual should oversee the assembly, relocation, dismantling and modification of a scaffold.
- A scaffolding framework should be ubiquitous. Railing manufacturer recommendations and the National Access and Scaffolding Contractors (NASC) guidebook are examples. BS EN 12811 or conventional engineering concepts is require to construct big or complex scaffolds.
What types of scaffolding public liability insurance do i needs?
You may need to consider multiple types of insurance depending on the nature of your work and the legal requirements in your area. Some common types of insurance that scaffolders may need include:
- scaffolding public liability insurance
- Scaffolding Employers liability insurance
- scaffolding Professional indemnity insurance
Scaffolding public liability insurance | FAQs
How often should scaffolds be inspected?
According to OSHA regulations, scaffolds inspection is compulsory before each work shift and after any occurrence that could affect the structural integrity. Additionally, You have to check scaffolds before using them for the first time and at regular intervals during the course of their use.
The Work at Height Regulations 2005 require scaffolding to be inspect at least every seven days after erection and before initial use.
who is authorized to inspect a scaffold?
Any competent and trained person can inspect a scaffold under OSHA requirements. The scaffold must be inspected before each shift and after any occurrence that could harm it.
According to scaffold risk, the inspector should prioritize inspection. Inspections are needed when workers are at risk.
CISRS Advanced Scaffolder cardholders can check scaffold structures covered in the CISRS Part 1, Part 2, and Advanced courses if their employer can prove they have the knowledge and experience.
A competent individual should also inspect the scaffold’s fittings, beams, ropes, and frames before usage. Periodic inspections must be performed by a qualified person who can detect dangers and take immediate action to eliminate or avoid them [4].