Businesses Urged to Check on Insurance
An insurance broker has urged businesses to check on their employer's liability and other insurance arrangements, following a recent prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
2011 has already seen a Bradford takeaway owner fined for failing to insure his staff against work-related injuries and illnesses. While most types of business insurance are not compulsory, but advisable, there are others that are required by law, such as employers' liability insurance and vehicle insurance.
Employer's liability compulsory insurance provides cover against claims from employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work.
A spokesperson for insurance broker, Coversure Insurance Services, said: "Unfortunately, one thing many new business owners don't realise about employers' liability insurance is that you need to have it in place even if you don't directly employ staff. For example, even if you only use agency staff and subcontractors, you still need to have it in place to cover them. If you fail to do so, you could be placing yourself at risk of being prosecuted by the HSE."
A source at Coversure said that many insurance companies will combine important standard insurance covers, including employers' liability, into simple packages such as office insurance and retail insurance, which can save time and money.
The HSE has written guidance for employers and employees on the subject of employers' liability compulsory insurance, which can be accessed at www.hse.gov.uk/business/elci.htm.
Source: Croner
Posted Date: 04th Apr 2011