British firms have come a long way since the UK government first started officially recording accident at work statistics.
Beware of Liabilities
In 1974 there were a recorded 651 workplace accident deaths in the UK. By 1981 (the first year that both employee and self-employed workers were included in the figures), 495 people sustained fatal injuries at work – 2.1 per 100,000 workers. The most recent figure, for the year 2017/2018, is 144, or 0.45 per 100,000 workers.
It’s a costly business too. The most recent 2016 figures issued by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) shows that the overall loss resulting from workplace injuries and ill health was estimated at £15 billion.
Whilst things have improved, any accident or work-related incident is one too many. And in the motor trades’ environment where people mix with moving vehicles, heavy equipment and potentially toxic chemicals, it pays to make sure that you are suitably covered.
Limiting your liabilities
Your motor trade policy should cover liabilities, including Public and Employers’ Liability, as well as products indemnity insurance on a standalone basis or as part of a package.
Public Liability policies can be tailored to provide £1M, £2M, £5M and £10M liability cover. Motor Trade Public Liability insurance should cover you should a member of public become injured on your premises. You can also add Employers’ Liability, a legal requirement that provides protection to your employees on the forecourts or behind the scenes in the garage services area.
Employers’ Liability cover is required if you employ one or more members of staff, even on a casual basis. Claims can be costly and potentially damaging to a new business, so it’s important to ensure you have the correct cover in place to avoid claims that may potentially cause your business to fail.
You should also look at Professional Indemnity cover that will protect you in the instance that a claim may be made against you due to your professional negligence. For example, you could find yourself being claimed against if you’ve provided someone with incorrect advice regarding the repairs on their vehicle.
Call Tradex on 01708 678 400 for more details around Motor Trade Liabilities.