Electrical contractors design, install, repair and maintain electrical wiring in industrial, commercial and residential properties. Their duties may include installing and maintaining electrical equipment, performing administrative tasks and delivering high quality customer service. This complex profession requires a lot of training, skill and experience. Due to their many different activities, these professionals are often exposed to various safety, liability and property risks. This is why it is important to have effective loss control measures in place. This resource outlines common risks that electrical contractors must address and offers helpful strategies to avoid potential claims.
Local & operational responsibility for electrical contractors
The nature of electrical operation poses different liability issues. For example, problems arising from faulty wiring, faulty electrical equipment and possible smoke hazards can cause injury to third parties and injuries to bystanders and lead to costly claims. Therefore, it is important for electrical contractors to take the following measures to limit their premises and operating responsibilities:
- Create a housekeeping program to ensure that materials, tools and other items are stored properly to prevent accidental injuries and to prevent slips, trips and falls. Any spills must be cleaned up immediately and all areas must be kept free of debris.
- Ensure that there is a fire safety plan in place and that it is communicated to every employee. If smoking is permitted in the workplace, create a designated smoking area.
- Ensure that site security measures – such as fencing or security personnel – prevent the public from trespassing on work sites.
- Develop and implement policies and procedures for entering residents̵7; homes to prevent property damage.
- Make sure there is a hot work program in place. Keep fire extinguishers near all areas where hot work is done and ensure all employees are trained in their use.
Personnel security
As an employer, electrical contractors must protect their employees from illness and injury on the job. Occupational hazards of electrical contracting include significant exposure to back and impact injuries as well as slips, trips and falls. To prevent these and related illnesses or injuries, electrical contractors should implement these employee safety measures:
- Establish a fall program and train employees on the proper use of fall protection.
- Implement a ladder safety program and ensure employees have received appropriate ladder safety training.
- Create a slide, trip and fall program. Conduct slip, trip and fall assessments to determine the likelihood of occurrence in the workplace.
- Develop an effective workplace safety training program that requires all employees to participate in routine training. By doing so, new employees can prepare for their roles while keeping experienced employees updated on important security protocols. This process may include requiring employees to have the necessary licenses to complete the work and maintain that license by continuing education to stay current.
- Ensure employees receive adequate training before using tools or equipment needed for their work.
- Create and implement an equipment maintenance plan to ensure that equipment is kept in working order and that safety mechanisms – such as cables, handles and blades – are also functional.
- Create an incident investigation program that enables quick and thorough incident investigations.
- Establish a personal protective equipment (PPE) program and conduct a PPE survey to determine the types of PPE needed for each task. Provide all necessary personal protective equipment to employees and train them on the proper use of this equipment.
Inland Marine—Tools and Equipment
Electrical contractors face many inland marine exposures, especially since they often use their own equipment on job sites, such as laptops and special power tools. Inadequate maintenance procedures and lack of prevention protocols can result in equipment damage, which can lead to significant downtime and costly repair or replacement costs. Electrical contractors should consider these steps to limit the risks:
- Keep a detailed list of machinery and tools. Each item must include an identification number, age, type and condition. Never leave tools in place or out in the open. They must be in the vehicle or stored in a safe place.
- Add non-removable labels to equipment to allow easy and permanent identification.
- Implement security measures to prevent unauthorized use of equipment left on the job sites. These measures may include installing security cameras, locking equipment doors, and hiring on-site security.
- Create a program that requires pre-use inspections of equipment. Corded tools should be inspected to ensure there are no cuts or frayed wires.
Car liability
Because electrical contractors often have their own fleet of vehicles and employees often travel between different job sites, commercial vehicle exposures are significant. In particular, accidents on the road can result in serious consequences, including injuries to employees, costly property damage, and potential liability issues between pedestrians or other motorists involved. To minimize commercial vehicle exposures, electrical contractors should follow these protocols:
- Ensure that all drivers have approved driving records. Specifically, it is important to secure the Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) for all drivers. MVRs should be updated annually.
- Provide employees with proper training on safe driving measures. Ensure prioritization of loading procedures so employees load vehicles correctly.
- Prohibit employees from using their cell phones while driving.
- Consider using telematics technology in commercial vehicles to identify risky employee driving behaviors (eg speeding and hard braking).
- Implement an effective vehicle inspection and maintenance program. Such a program can help ensure that all commercial vehicles remain in good condition and are safe to drive on the road.
- Review all commercial vehicle and trailer characteristics (eg, size and weight) to determine applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Regularly monitor compliance with FMCSA standards and make operational adjustments as needed.
We can help electrical contractors
It is important for electrical contractors to implement proper risk management precautions to limit costly insurance claims and lawsuits. Such measures can offer various benefits, such as increased customer satisfaction, increased employee safety, fewer liability issues, and reduced risk of property damage.
While this resource provides a range of loss control strategies, electrical contractors do not need to establish their risk management programs alone. Working with a qualified and experienced insurance professional can make a big difference.
We know the industry, we understand your needs and we work with several insurance companies so that we can deliver the insurance solution that is perfect for your business and your budget.
When you have confidence in your business insurance, you have greater peace of mind knowing that you can continue working to generate revenue, even when disaster strikes.
To get started with your customized solution, contact one of our licensed advisors, or request a proposal and we’ll get started right away.
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