TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2017
 With every contracting job, there comes a certain amount of risks. When you hire a contractor, you are essentially outsourcing a part of your business to that group.
If you run a construction business, you likely have to contract some of the work to other businesses. You may have to hire contractors to pour cement or lay brick. Perhaps you'll need to contract with an electrical company to set wiring.
You likely have a trusted relationship with these contractors. You have their needs in mind when they come onto a property that you own. However, you also have liabilities to protect.
There are a few ways to mitigate potential losses from contracting injuries.
Check Your Insurance & Bonds
It is important the construction business carry liability insurance for all potential risks. Make sure your business policy covers common accidents that might happen to contractors. Your liability insurance may help protect both you and the contractor in the event you're deemed at fault for the injury.
Make sure that your contractors carry proper liability insurance as well. That's the responsibility of any business owner. If a contractor gets hurt due to their own negligence, they will likely have to turn to their own insurance for protection.
Additionally, contractors should also require any contractor work to come with surety bonds. These bonds can help ensure that contractors will complete the work on time. If someone gets hurt, the bond will likely help ensure that work goes on. However, there may be exceptions to this rule in the case of severe injury.
Make Safety A Priority
The best way to reduce insurance liability risks is to secure your construction site. Keep these steps in mind and make safety a priority:
- Require appropriate safety gear at all times. These might include hard hats, gloves, masks or other special wearable mechanics.
- Know what contractors are working on at all times. Make sure they know to come immediately to you if they experience problems.
- If weather conditions create site hazards, temporarily stop work until the weather improves.
- Make sure that contracted employees only do the tasks they are an expert in. Use caution when asking contracted employees to take on physical work they aren't familiar with. Ask them if their insurance covers them if they take on this risk.
- Ensure that contracted employees use their own tools whenever possible. If they need to borrow your tools or machinery, make sure to teach them how to operate everything properly.
Protecting your business and your contractors should be your priority. Make sure to get proper contractors insurance to cover your business.
We can help you find quality coverage options at affordable prices. Call Affordable Insurance Group at (803) 798-4499 for a free Columbia SC contractors insurance quote.
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It is not be used as a substitute for competent insurance, legal, or tax advice from a licensed professional
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