In the industry, as a carpenter you may face a variety of risks in the workplace. These may include personal accident and injuries, property damage, theft, project-related errors and more that put your livelihood at risk.
In order to prepare for these potential incidents and mitigate risk, it is important to first be aware of hazards and common occurrences, and implement preventative measures.
Learn more about the 8 most common risks that carpenters face, as well as the best ways to prevent and prepare for them with the appropriate Business Insurance for carpenters.
The 8 Most Common Risks
1. Accidents on site
Carpenters are often working in potentially dangerous areas, performing work with a range of tools that pose a threat of injury if used incorrectly, or if faulty. On site there is a high risk of accidents that may lead to wounds, lacerations or amputations.
To prevent these accidents, it is important to use power tools that have clutches or safety guards, and that are easy to operate. It is recommended that you follow an induction process for workers to better identify any hazards, and promote the wearing of tight-fitting clothing around rotating machines.
Insurance can cover injuries caused by or in connection with on-site accidents, and offer financial security in these circumstances.
2. Property damage
Accidents have the potential to lead to liability of accidental damage to surrounding property, as carpenters are often required to work in homes or in a confined space with other overlapping trades. Construction Insurance can include cover for incidents of Material Damage, Legal Liability and more to cover accidental damage during a construction period.
3. Injuries due to repetitive motions
Carpentry is often demanding of similar actions which are performed repeatedly such as sawing, hammering, sanding or lifting heavy objects. Insurance such as Workers’ Compensation for employed carpenters is able to provide coverage for the cost of treating these injuries, as well as compensation if you are involved in an accident and are deemed unable to adequately carry out the activities for which you are employed.
To avoid muscle injuries, it is important to adopt proper lifting practices and use a weight belt when necessary.
4. Falls
In the industry, it is common to experience falls off high scaffolding or other elevated surfaces which can lead to serious injuries. You should adopt proper safety protocols when working on ladders and ensure these are widely understood across workers.
In the event of a fall, appropriate insurance is able to assist with medical expenses and cover any lost wages. This may also help with OHS audit considerations following a workplace incident.
5. Injuries due to debris
When carrying out activities such as sawing or other tasks that create fine particulate matter, there are risks of injury or illness as particles may get in the eyes or lungs. To avoid eye injury it is imperative that glasses or goggles are worn while performing these tasks, as well as proper masks to avoid inhalation.
Should injury arise due to debris, insurance is able to assist with medical expenses and lost income to ensure fast recovery, reduce financial loss and lower the overall impact of the event.
6. Theft
As a carpenter, you are dependent on tools and equipment in order to perform your work. If these were stolen or damaged, it could lead to great financial loss with costs to repair or replace them on top of loss of work.
Tool Insurance ensures you are able to reinstate your tools, and enables you to continue generating income and get back to work as soon as possible.
7. Errors and omissions
Failure to follow drawings and deliver on plans could lead to costly repairs or even legal action. In order to prevent this, a Professional Indemnity Insurance policy can be a beneficial choice to assist in mitigating the financial impact of errors and omissions. If your works do involve large scale plans and drawings it is important to ensure you are adhering to all contractual agreements which will often dictate the level of Professional Indemnity cover you must have.
8. Environmental damage
Environmental damage can occur when spills or accidents are involved with hazardous substances and materials. This is possible especially when working with certain glues or solvents, the transportation of lead-based paint and materials containing asbestos.
If damage occurs to the environment, insurance can protect against a portion of the cost of remediation of damage and any potential legal implications.
It is worth noting that not one Insurance Policy can provide protection in each of these areas. Atlantic Insurance has brokers skilled in risk identification that can assist by tailoring an Insurance Program to meet your own unique Insurance needs.
Comprehensive Carpenters’ Insurance with Atlantic Insurance
At Atlantic Insurance, we have been catering to the varied insurance needs of carpenters for over 35 years, protecting the income of chippies and ensuring their businesses thrive. For comprehensive Carpenters’ Insurance that will ensure you are prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, contact us and receive a quote today.
Any information contained on this page of the website is general advice only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider these, having regard to the appropriateness of this advice and the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (‘PDS’), Target Market Determination (‘TMD’) and Financial Services Guide (‘FSG’), which will be provided following any formal recommendation to you.
