Imagine one of your best plumbers, Joe, working in an old building’s basement. He’s carefully soldering pipes when suddenly, he starts feeling dizzy. The confined space, combined with the fumes from the chemicals he’s using, creates a hazardous situation. Joe manages to climb out, but not without suffering from mild chemical exposure that requires medical attention. It’s situations like these that show why having plumbing contractors insurance is so crucial, making sure Joe gets the care and support he needs.
As John navigates the challenges of managing his plumbing business, he faces a unique landscape. The occupation of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is one of the largest professions in the country, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The industry is expected to grow by approximately 42,600 jobs each year between 2022 and 2032. This growth is exciting — and it also means more new workers entering the market and many more opportunities for workers’ compensation claims.
The incident described above highlights an often-overlooked risk in the plumbing industry: chemical exposure in a confined space. In this article, we highlight some of these lesser-known workers’ comp risks unique to plumbing businesses. By understanding and mitigating these risks, business owners like you and John can better protect your employees and operations.
Uncommon Workers’ Comp Risks in Plumbing
While many risks in plumbing are well-known, some less obvious hazards can lead to serious workers’ comp claims. Awareness and proactive measures can help mitigate these risks.
Chemical Exposure
Plumbers frequently handle chemicals used in pipe cleaning, soldering, and other tasks. These chemicals can be hazardous if not handled correctly. Inhalation of harmful fumes and skin contact with corrosive substances are significant risks. To prevent these dangers, train your team on proper handling and storage techniques and ensure everyone uses appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Confined Spaces
Working in tight, enclosed spaces like crawl spaces, basements, and under sinks presents unique dangers, including limited ventilation and restricted movement. Limited oxygen levels and difficulty in emergency evacuation pose significant risks. Preventive measures include providing training on confined space entry procedures and emergency protocols and ensuring proper ventilation and monitoring in confined spaces.
Biological Hazards
Plumbers often encounter biohazards such as sewage, mold, and other contaminants, posing serious health risks. Exposure to pathogens and bacteria and potential respiratory issues from mold are major concerns. Equip your employees with PPE like gloves, masks, and protective clothing, and implement stringent hygiene practices and decontamination procedures to mitigate these risks.
Asbestos Exposure
Older buildings often contain asbestos insulation, which becomes a significant health risk when disturbed. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause lung disease. Offer asbestos awareness training and follow strict abatement procedures to handle asbestos safely.
Burns and Scalds
Exposure to hot water, steam, and heated equipment can cause burns and scalds. Severe burns from hot water or steam and scalding injuries from high-temperature pipes are common risks. Ensure the use of heat-resistant gloves and protective clothing, and regulate temperatures to safe levels during operations.
Electrocution
Working near electrical systems increases the risk of electrocution, especially in wet environments. Electric shocks from faulty wiring and increased danger in wet conditions are significant hazards. To ensure safety, conduct thorough electrical safety training, use insulated tools, and implement lockout/tagout procedures.
How Workers’ Comp Insurance Shields Your Plumbing Business
Adequate workers’ comp coverage shields your plumbing business from financial losses due to workplace injuries. Whether you have workers’ comp insurance or not, you’re liable for medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs of an injured employee, among other costs. When you have workers’ comp insurance, it covers these types of expenses, including legal expenses and attorney fees. When you don’t, it all comes out of pocket.
Workers’ comp insurance is a legal necessity in most regions, and staying compliant means avoiding legal penalties. The added benefit is that your employees receive the necessary support in case of injury. Employees approach their jobs differently when they know they are protected by their employer and will receive care when an accident occurs.
Tips for Plumbing Businesses to Mitigate Uncommon Risks
Plumbing businesses can significantly reduce uncommon risks through proactive measures and adherence to safety protocols:
- Offer regular safety training: Keep employees informed about the latest safety protocols and techniques.
- Conduct risk assessments: Identify and address potential hazards to prevent accidents.
- Implement strict safety protocols: Enforce best practices by regularly reviewing and updating safety protocols.
- Use appropriate PPE: Ensure all team members use and maintain proper PPE and safety gear.
These steps help maintain a safe working environment and minimize the likelihood of workplace incidents.
Secure Your Business with Plumbing Contractors Insurance
Workers’ comp insurance in California isn’t a one-size-fits-all, out-of-the-box product. It requires some tailoring. Working with skilled insurance professionals ensures that your plumbing contractors insurance policy is designed to fit your specific needs and budget.
Workers’ comp also isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it type of insurance. It requires regular review and tailoring as your business grows and changes from year to year.
It is not uncommon for us to conduct a review and find that the businesses are overpaying or lacking adequate coverage. Oftentimes, we find both — where businesses are overpaying and inadequately covered. We take great pride in our ability to craft great-fitting workers’ comp policies. When you partner with Western Republic, you gain the expertise of an insurance agency that understands your plumbing business. We handle these tasks seamlessly as part of our comprehensive service, ensuring your coverage is always optimized without additional costs. With Western Republic, you can focus on what you do best — running your plumbing business — while we handle the insurance details.
About Western Republic
Locally owned and operated since 2009, Gabe Stubin of Western Republic Insurance Services has delivered quality insurance solutions to individuals in Huntington Beach, California, for over 17 years. Specializing in Commercial Business insurance coverage, our team of knowledgeable insurance professionals is committed to helping you find a policy that fits your needs. We focus on providing individualized attention and quality customer service to create an experience that’s difficult to find in today’s market. At Western Republic Insurance Services, we’ll work with you to ensure that you and those you care about most are protected.