A Comprehensive Approach: Beyond Public Liability for Scaffolding Businesses

Being in the scaffolding business, you know that Public Liability Insurance is a must-have. 

It can provide you with cover for third-party injuries or property damage caused by your work. But is it enough? 

The reality is scaffolding is a high-risk trade with unique challenges and a single policy like Public Liability often falls short of providing complete, comprehensive protection. 

This is where tailored insurance solutions can make all the difference for scaffolders. 

Why Public Liability Alone Isn’t Enough

Public Liability Insurance is a cornerstone for any tradie, especially in scaffolding. 

It protects against claims for personal injury or property damage caused by your business activities. 

For example, if a passerby is injured due to falling scaffolding or a client’s property is damaged during a job, this policy can cover legal costs and compensation. However, it doesn’t address other critical risks such as employee injuries, equipment theft or professional errors in design work. 

Without additional cover, these gaps could leave your business exposed to significant financial losses.

The scaffolding industry faces unique risks (e.g., working at heights, handling heavy equipment and often providing design or consultation services). 

The trade’s complexity demands specialised insurance solutions tailored to these challenges. Relying on a generic policy might seem cost-effective but it often misses the mark for scaffolders. 

Let’s break down the key insurance types that can provide comprehensive protection.

Essential Insurance Policies for Scaffolding Businesses

To ensure your scaffolding business is fully protected, consider these specialised insurance policies:

1. Workers’ Compensation Insurance: This is for financial support for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, including wages, medical costs and rehabilitation.
   
   This is a legal requirement in Australian states and territories for businesses with employees. Safe Work Australia reports that construction, including scaffolding, has one of the highest rates of workplace injuries, making this cover non-negotiable.
   
   This is best for any scaffolding business with employees, from sole traders hiring casual workers to larger firms with full-time staff.
   
   
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance: This covers the financial losses and legal costs from claims of professional errors, negligence or poor advice (e.g., a design flaw causing a project delay).
   
   If your business provides design, consultation or structural advice, a single mistake could lead to costly claims.
   
   This is especially important for businesses offering design or consultation services, especially those working on complex projects.
   
   
3. Tools and Equipment Cover: This provides coverage for loss or damage to scaffolding equipment, tools and other valuable assets due to theft, fire or accidents.
   
   Scaffolding equipment is expensive and often targeted by thieves. That’s why this coverage is crucial for all scaffolding businesses, especially those with significant investments in tools and equipment.
   
   
4. Other Valuable Coverages:
   ‍
   
   • Commercial Motor Insurance: Protects your fleet of vehicles used for transporting equipment or crew.
     
     
   • Business Interruption Insurance: Covers lost income due to unforeseen events like natural disasters or major equipment breakdowns.
     
     
   • Transit Insurance: Safeguards materials during transport, crucial for businesses moving scaffolding components to sites.

These policies address specific risks that could disrupt your operations or cash flow, ensuring your business stays resilient.

This is essential for businesses with vehicles, high revenue dependency or frequent material transport.

The Value of Tailored Insurance for Scaffolders

The scaffolding industry isn’t one-size-fits-all and neither should your insurance be. 

A generic policy might save you a few dollars upfront but it could leave you vulnerable to risks that are unique to your trade. 

Specialised policies, like those offered through brokers or industry bodies, are designed to address these specific risks.

Working with an experienced insurance broker can help you navigate these options. 

At Tank Insurance, we understand the scaffolding trade’s unique needs and can tailor a package that covers everything from employee injuries to equipment theft and professional errors. This approach not only protects your business but also gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

Here’s how we can help:

• Customised Solutions: We analyse your operations to recommend policies that fit your business, whether you’re a small operator or a large firm.
  
  
• Industry Knowledge: We stay updated on the scaffolding industry’s risks and regulations, ensuring your coverage is compliant and relevant.
  
  
• Claims Support: If the worst happens, we guide you through the claims process to minimise stress and downtime.

Take the Next Step

Running a scaffolding business  is no small feat. 

You deal with heights, heavy equipment  and tight project deadlines, all while managing risks that could impact your livelihood.

Public Liability Insurance is a great start but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. By adding Workers’ Compensation, Professional Indemnity, Tools and Equipment Cover and other specialised policies, you can create a robust protection for your business.

Ready to explore your options? Contact our insurance brokerage today at team@tankinsurance.com.au or at 02 9000 1155. 

We’ll work with you to design a tailored insurance package that protects your business, your employees and your assets without breaking the bank.