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Cable Layers Insurance Policy Information

Cable Layers Insurance. As a cable layer, the services you offer are invaluable. Whether fiber optic or coaxial, and whether on land or under the sea, cables are essential telecommunications, electricity, and even for military purposes.

Cable laying contractors install, service, maintain, repair, or replace overhead or underground cables and lines used to provide electricity or communication services including telephone, cable television, and the Internet, both inside and outside of residential and commercial buildings.

The lines may be made of copper or fiber optic covered with heavy-duty plastic sheathing. Operations consist of excavating trenches, laying the cable into the trenches, then filling in the trench with dirt or other materials.

The lines from individual buildings or residences, often already laid by electricians or other contractors, are then hooked up to the system. The contractor may provide 24 hour emergency service.

Homeowners, business owners, health care providers, academic institutions, media organizations; individuals and entities around the world rely on the cables you install every minute of every day in order to function. In other words, as a cable layer, your job is crucial; perhaps more crucial than you even realize.

Despite the imperative nature of your work, and regardless of your hard work and dedication, as with professionals in any field, cable layers face a number of risks. In order to protect yourself from said risks, investing in the right type of commercial insurance is an absolute must.

What type of hazards are cable layers subjected to? What kind of cable layers insurance coverage should you carry? To find the answers to these questions and more, keep on reading.

Cable layers insurance protects your cable installation business from lawsuits with rates as low as $47/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked cable laying insurance questions:

• What Is Cable Layers Insurance?
• How Much Does Cable Layers Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Cable Layers Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Cable Layers Need?
• What Does Cable Layers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Cable Layers Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposures at the contractor's office are generally limited due to lack of public access.

Outdoor storage of materials and equipment may create vandalism and attractive nuisance hazards. Off-site exposures are extensive. The area of operation should be restricted by barriers and proper signage to protect the public from the hazards of digging and overhead operations. Shutoff and lockout procedures must be in place to make sure the cable or lines are not live.

Digging and other operations can result in cutting utility cable, damaging property of the utility company, and disrupting service to neighboring residences or businesses. Contractors laying underground cables should verify the absence of other utility lines prior to digging. Once a trench is excavated, there must be shoring or other supports to prevent collapse.

If there is work at heights, falling tools or supplies may cause bodily injury or property damage if dropped from ladders and scaffolding. Construction sites create an attractive nuisance hazard, especially if work is close to residential areas. All equipment must be disabled when not in operation to prevent untrained individuals from using it.

Fencing must be in place with appropriate warning signs to prevent trespassing. A significant morale hazard may be indicated by the absence of detailed procedures to determine utility locations and to research prior uses of the land. The use of subcontractors as well as any contractual liability exposures should be examined.

Personal injury exposures include assault and battery and invasion of privacy. Background checks should be conducted for any employee who will have regular contact with customers.

Completed operations exposures can be very high if the cable is not properly installed. Work for medical facilities, prisons, or large manufacturers can present the potential for catastrophic loss if power is shut down. Quality control, including work order documentation, and employee training, background, and experience is important.

Warranties, guarantees, and maintenance agreements, in which the contractor promises to keep a system in operation, should be reviewed. Shoring methods are vital to prevent cave in following excavation, especially if under streets and roads and any structures.

Environmental impairment liability exposures can be high if the contractor is responsible for the disposal of old capacitors as these may contain asbestos, PCPs, or other hazardous materials. Spillage and leaking of pollutants into the air, ground, or water can result in high cleanup costs and fines.

Disposal procedures must adhere to all EPA and other regulatory standards. Proper written procedures and documentation of both the transportation and disposal process are important.

Operations can result in claims of noise or dust pollution by neighboring properties and claims for cumulative structural damage to neighboring foundations from heavy traffic.

Workers compensation exposures can be severe. Lifting and back injuries, hernias, sprains, and strains can occur from setting up retaining walls or trenches, installing cable lines, or working from awkward positions. The collapse of retaining walls or overturn of equipment may result in severe injury or death from crushing or suffocation.

Digging may result in electrocution from underground electrical lines or asphyxiation from ruptured gas lines. If lines are overhead, workers may fall from heights or be hit by falling objects. Hazards increase in the absence of adequate shutoff and lockout procedures to make sure the wiring is not live.

Common hazards include slips and falls, foreign objects in the eye, hearing impairment from noise, cuts or puncture wounds, bites from insects or vermin, temperature extremes, auto accidents during transportation to and from job sites, and exposure to pollutants.

Serious injuries may also arise during work with hand tools, large, heavy machinery, or from the carelessness of fellow employees. The absence of good maintenance, proper use of basic safety equipment, such as properly installed guards, steel-toed shoes, and eye protection, and strict enforcement of safety practices may indicate a morale hazard.

The removal of old capacitors may involve work with PCBs, requiring special training and procedures to be in place.

Property exposures at the cable layer's own location are usually limited to those of an office and storage of materials, equipment, and vehicles. Cable waiting to be installed is bulky. If a fire starts, the smoke is heavy. The blaze could be difficult to extinguish if there is high stockpiling.

Fire hazards may arise from refueling and repair operations due to the storage and use of flammable gasoline and other fuel sources. Copper cable may be targeted by thieves. Appropriate security controls should be taken including alarms, lighting, and physical barriers prohibiting access afterhours.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the contractor bills customers for services, contractors' equipment, construction materials in transit, installation floater, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Backup copies of all data should be stored off premises.

Cable and excavation equipment is bulky and can be difficult to transport without adequate loading, tie-down and unloading procedures. The cable may be susceptible to damage by cutting, tearing, or bending. Ground at the construction site may be uneven. Equipment may strike underground objects or utilities, fall into holes or pits, slip or fall into mud, water, or sinkholes, be damaged in rock, land, or mud slides, or burst into fire from overload.

Equipment may be subject to changes in the weather, water hazards, or being struck by other vehicles. Materials and equipment left at job sites may be subject to theft and vandalism. Equipment should be secured and rendered inoperable when not in use. Contractors may lease, rent or borrow equipment, or may lease out, rent or loan their owned equipment to others, which poses additional risk as the operator may be unfamiliar with operation of the borrowed item.

Crime exposures are primarily due to employee dishonesty. Some cable made with copper may have a relatively high value. Partial shipments or unused excess from a job may be diverted, often in collusion with delivery persons.

Background checks should be conducted prior to hiring any employee. There must be a separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and reconciling bank statements. Physical inventories should be conducted on a regular basis to prevent employee theft of equipment and supplies.

Commercial exposures can be high due to the transport of heavy equipment and lifting devices for cable laying. Secure tying down is vital to prevent heavy damage to other vehicles. In rural areas, roads may be narrow and the ground uneven, increasing the risk of collision and upset.

The driver of the truck must be trained in handling a top-heavy vehicle as considerable skill and knowledge are required for safe driving. If there is a collision, the resulting overturn may spill the load spill onto a public road and prevent access until cleanup is completed. All drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs.

Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be maintained, and the records kept in a central location.

What Does Cable Layers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Cable layers may be sued for various reasons, including:

• Property Damage: Cable layers may be held responsible for damaging a property during the installation of cables or other related activities. For example, if a cable is installed in a way that damages a building or infrastructure, the property owner may sue the cable layer.
• Personal Injury: Cable layers may also be sued for causing personal injury to individuals during the installation process. For example, if a worker or a member of the public is injured by falling cables, equipment or other related incidents, the cable layer may be held liable.
• Breach of Contract: If a cable layer fails to complete the project as per the agreed-upon terms, they may be sued for breach of contract.

Insurance can protect cable layers from such lawsuits in the following ways:

General Liability Insurance: General liability insurance covers cable layers against property damage and personal injury claims. It can pay for the legal costs associated with defending against a lawsuit, as well as any settlement or judgment costs.

Professional Liability Insurance: Professional liability insurance (also known as errors and omissions insurance) covers cable layers against claims of negligence, errors, and omissions in their work. If a cable layer is sued for failing to complete the project as per the agreed-upon terms, this insurance can help pay for legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments.

Workers' Compensation Insurance: Workers' compensation insurance covers employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. If a cable layer's employee is injured while installing cables, this insurance can help pay for medical expenses and lost wages.

Commercial Auto Insurance: Commercial auto insurance covers any damages that may occur while using a company vehicle. If a cable layer's vehicle is involved in an accident while on the job, this insurance can help pay for damages or injuries caused to others.

Overall, insurance provides cable layers with financial protection against lawsuits and damages that may arise during their work.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 1623 Water, Sewer, Pipeline, and Communications and Power Line Construction
• NAICS CODE: 237130 Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 5190 Electrical Wiring - Within Buildings & Drivers, 6325 Conduit Construction - For Cables or Wires & Drivers, 7600 Telecommunications Co. - Cable TV, or Satellite - All Other Employees & Drivers, 7612 Telephone or Cable TV Line Installation - Contractors, Overhead & Drivers, 7613 Telephone or Cable TV Line Installation - Contractors, Service Lines and Connections & Drivers, 7611 Telephone or Cable TV Line Installation - Contractors, Underground & Drivers

Description for 1623: Water, Sewer, Pipeline, and Communications and Power Line Construction

Division C: Construction | Major Group 16: Heavy Construction Other Than Building Construction Contractors | Industry Group 162: Heavy Construction, Except Highway And Street

1623 Water, Sewer, Pipeline, and Communications and Power Line Construction: General and special trade contractors primarily engaged in the construction of water and sewer mains, pipelines, and communications and power lines.

• Aqueduct construction
• Cable laying construction-contractors
• Cable television line construction-contractors
• Conduit construction-contractors
• Distribution lines construction, oil and gas field
• Gas main construction
• Manhole construction-contractors
• Natural gas compressing station construction
• Pipelaying
• Pipeline construction
• Pipeline wrapping-contractors
• Pole line construction
• Power line construction
• Pumping station construction
• Radio transmitting tower construction
• Sewage collection and disposal line construction
• Sewer construction
• Telegraph line construction
• Telephone line construction
• Television transmitting tower construction
• Transmission line construction
• Water main line construction

Cable Layers Insurance - The Bottom Line

To learn more about the specific types of cable layers insurance policies you'll need and how much coverage you should carry, consult with a reputable broker that is experienced in business insurance.

Additional Resources For Construction Contractors Insurance

Learn about construction contractors insurance, including how much the premium costs and what is covered - and how business insurance can help protect your construction business from lawsuits.

• Blasting & Drilling Contractors
• Bridge Contractors
• Building Contractors
• Cable Layers
• Concrete
• Construction
• Demolition Contractors
• Dock & Pier Contractors
• Dredging Contractors
• Excavation
• Foundation Layers
• Framing
• General Contractors
• Masonry
• Mechanical
• Millwright
• Paving
• Road Contractors
• Roofing
• Sewer Contractors
• Steel Erection Contractors
• Surety Bonds

The construction industry is a high-risk industry that requires business insurance to protect against potential losses. There are several reasons why the construction industry needs business insurance:

Liability risks: Construction projects often involve working on other people's property, which can lead to potential liability risks if any damages or accidents occur. Liability insurance helps to protect against these risks by providing coverage for any legal fees or damages that may arise.

Property damage: Construction projects can also be at risk for property damage, whether it's the company's own equipment or tools, or the property being worked on. Commercial property insurance including inland marine helps to cover the cost of repairs or replacement of any damaged property.

Worker injuries: Construction is a physically demanding industry, and accidents and injuries are a common occurrence. Wrokers comp helps to cover the cost of medical treatment and lost wages for injured workers.

Financial losses: Construction projects can be disrupted by a variety of factors, such as weather, delays, or changes in scope. Business insurance helps to protect against financial losses that may occur as a result of these disruptions.

Overall, insurance is an essential component of the construction industry as it helps to protect against a range of potential risks and losses. Without it, companies in the construction industry would be vulnerable to financial ruin and may not be able to continue operating.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Surety Bonds, Accounts Receivable, Builders' Risk, Computers, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Business Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Nonowned Auto Liability & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Contractors' Equipment, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices Liability, Environmental Impairment Liability, Stop Gap Liability, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) (Drones).