Unfortunately insurance is a way of life and claims will happen from time to time.

Below are some of the ways that the chances of a claim occurring can be reduced, as well as potentially reducing your liability insurance premium.

Training
Safety in the workplace goes beyond introductory training and standard policies.

Employees need to know how to use tools and specialist machinery properly. Stress the importance of using the right tool for the job and mentor a new employee so they understand the risks of specific machines.

By taking a proactive approach to training and improving skills at every level, managers, employees and sub-contractors will be aware and compliant with health and safety procedures, best practice and industry changes.

Make sure personal protective equipment (PPE) is being worn
Employers have a duty to provide and police the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at work including safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility clothing, safety footwear and safety harnesses. However Safety is everyone’s responsibility

Let your employees know they have a responsibility to report unsafe conditions to their supervisor so it can be corrected before someone gets hurt. Clearly define the risks and consequences of not using PPE correctly.

Encourage employees and contractors to be more vocal with health and safety matters
Employee participation is an integral part of any successful work safety program. Management should encourage employees and contractors to identify unsafe situations, and employees should learn and use proper safety protocols.

Document Your Work
We would always recommend that clients document their work including photographs and videos if possible. Keep an archive of all of your jobs, and the relevant documentation relating to them. If a problem arises in the future you will have the appropriate evidence to prove that your part of the job was done correctly.

To the frustration of many clients, liability claims are often paid due to a lack of documented evidence to support that a client has been falsely accused.

Always Follow Code
The best way to avoid liability arising as a contractor is to always follow proper procedure. Not only is this the best way to avoid site accidents and situations which can lead to claims, but it is also a way to effectively rule yourself out as the cause of any incident resulting from a job which involved many contractors.

Choose Subcontractors Wisely and check for insurance
A final way to avoid claims is to only work with trusted subcontractors. Work with those who display a high level of professionalism in their work and avoid those who have reputation of cutting corners, even if it means paying a little more. Just as with your own employees, supervision is essential.

Do check that they hold an appropriate level of public liability insurance and keep a copy of their policy information on file for at least 6 years. Most insurers now insist that your subcontractors hold the same Public Liability Limit as your business. Make sure that these are reviewed annually and if in any doubt about their cover, ask your broker for assistance.

Get industry specific accreditations or qualifications
Accreditation allows businesses to demonstrate the quality of care and skill they provide to a service. Not only will these improve the processes that the business uses or the calibre of its employees or contractors but it will help insurers in assessing your business. When presenting a risk to an insurer, it can be beneficial to provide a copy of the qualifications or accreditations, as this can present a better picture of the business or person being insured.

Use a Health and Safety Consultants
If you are not confident of your ability to manage all health and safety in-house; or you need to know that what you are doing is necessary, sensible and proportionate for your business perhaps using a third party specialist would benefit your business. Consultants can be employed for range of issues such as providing training programs to giving advice in specialist areas such as asbestos or engineering.

Insurers will take into consideration the use of external health and safety assistance when calculating a premium.

Lastly, tell you broker!
If you are doing all the above make sure that you tell your insurance broker, as it demonstrate to an insurer that you are a professional business that takes it services and safety seriously, which will in turn lead to a move favourable premium at renewal.