Sandblasting Contractors Insurance Policy Information
Sandblasting Contractors Insurance. Are you thinking about getting into the business of sandblasting contracting? If so, there are a lot of things that you need to take into consideration and attend to before you get your business up and running:
Where the headquarters of your business will be located, what type of equipment you will use, the specific services you provide, the clientele you are going to work with, and the number of employees that you are going to hire are just some of the things that you need to think about. However, there's something else that's just as important as all of these things; insurance.
sandblasting contractors clean buildings, structures, or other objects by shooting a pressurized mixture of abrasive materials, including sand, against the surface of the object. Sandblasting may be used to polish a surface, but most often is used to remove paint including graffiti, finishes, or corrosion from brick or metal surfaces. Typically, sandblasting is done off premises at job sites.
Every business owner, no matter the industry, needs to carry the right type of coverage. But why is insurance so important for sandblasting contractors and why type of sandblasting contractors insurance coverage do you need? Keep on reading to find out.
sandblasting contractors insurance protects your business from lawsuits with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked sandblastig contractor insurance questions:
- What Is Sandblasting Contractors Insurance?
- How Much Does Sandblasting Contractors Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Sandblasting Contractors Need Insurance?
- What Type Of Insurance Do Sandblasting Contractors Need
- What Does Sandblasting Contractors Insurance Cover & Pay For?
What Is Sandblasting Contractors Insurance?
Sandblasting contractors insurance is a type of liability insurance that protects sandblasting contractors against financial losses and damages that may arise from their sandblasting operations. It covers potential claims from third-party bodily injury or property damage that may occur as a result of the contractor's work. This insurance may also provide coverage for damage to the contractor's equipment, loss of business income, and other financial losses that may result from the sandblasting operations.
How Much Does Sandblasting Contractors Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small sandblasting contractors ranges from $67 to $89 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Sandblasting Contractors Need Insurance?
As a sandblasting contractor, your job is to clean various types of surfaces using heavy machinery that propels abrasive agents. You need to have pinpoint precision to do an effective job, and you need to work in a relatively fast manner in order to get it done on-time.
You also have to ensure that all of the techniques that are being used are safe and won't damage individuals or property. In other words, you have a lot of responsibility on your shoulders.
Even though you make every effort to do the best job possible and avoid mishaps, issues can arise. You could accidentally spray the wrong type of abrasive material onto a surface and damage it; an employee could be injured while he's working; someone could sue you, alleging that you didn't do the work you said you would.
Whatever the case may be, you could be looking at very hefty costs if something unexpected occurs. Those costs could be crippling and could damage your entire business if you have to pay for them out of your own pocket.
That's why it's so important to invest in the right type of sandblasting contractors insurance. When the unthinkable happens, your insurance provider will help to cover the expenses so that you aren't left footing the bill.
What Type Of Insurance Do Sandblasting Contractors Need?
The specific type(s) of coverage you will need depend on the unique details of your business; where in you are located, the size of your sandblasting contracting business; how many employees you have; what type of machinery that you use; the services you provide, etc.
Therefore, to find out exactly what type of coverage you need, it's in your best interest to speak to a reputable agent so that you can make sure your business is well-protected. With that said, however, there are certain types of sandblasting contractors insurance that all contractors will need to carry, no matter what the specific details of their business may be:
- Workers Compensation - Even if you employ a staff of just a handful of people, you're going to need to carry workers' compensation insurance. Should an employee become injured while performing a service, this type of coverage will help to pay for the cost of his or her medical care; it will also assist with paying for any wages that he or she may miss while recovering.
- Commercial General Liability - You will also need to invest in commercial general liability insurance. This type of coverage protects you from any third-party bodily injury or property damage claims. For example, if you damaged a client's property - even if it was accidental - this type of insurance will pay for the repairs, as well as any legal fees that may arise if a lawsuit is filed against you.
- Commercial Equipment - The equipment you use to perform your sandblasting services isn't cheap, so you want to make sure that it is properly protected. With commercial equipment insurance, if your gear is stolen or damaged, whether it's on a job site, in a vehicle, or on the premises of your business, the cost of repairing or replacing the equipment will be covered by your carrier.
- Commercial Auto - You should also invest in commercial auto insurance, as this policy will cover your commercial vehicles if an accident occurs, which your personal auto policy will not.
These are just some of the forms of Sandblasting Contractors insurance coverage that should be considered. The specific type of coverage will vary from organization to organization and depends on a variety of factors; the size of the club and the nature of the activities that occur at the organization, for example.
Sandblasting Contractor's Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposure is limited at the contractor's premises due to lack of public access. Equipment stored in an open yard may present an attractive nuisance to children and other trespassers. At job sites, exterior sandblasting can be a hazard to passersby, parked vehicles and nearby structures.
The area of operation should be restricted by barriers and proper signage for protection against falling objects, slips and falls. The interaction of sand or other blasting material and the surface it strikes can generate heat and perhaps cause chemical change resulting in fire or explosion. Paint and other material that is blasted off during the operation may contain toxic chemicals.
The silica (sand) contained in the overspray is abrasive to property, and can be severely hazardous if inhaled. The blasting operations are also loud, generating a nuisance hazard. Equipment and scaffolding left unattended at the jobsite are an attractive nuisance, so access by children must be prevented.
Completed operations liability exposures may result from hidden damage to the integrity of the surfaces the insured works on, such as the removal of more surface material than intended. Sand and other blasting materials may enter cracks and weaken the structure. In the case of metals, sandblasting may cause "fatigue" due to the weakening of rigidity. Claims may arise from failure to use the correct grade of sand or other medium, or blasting at the wrong angle or pressure.
Environmental impairment liability exposures may arise from the waste generated in the sandblasting process. Any job will entail stripping away of grime and other debris from the objects cleaned. Allowing waste to accumulate either at the job site or in the contractor's yard could cause a severe environmental impairment situation. The insured must use safe methods to collect, transport, and dispose of the waste.
Workers compensation exposures can be very high. The force of the overspray from sandblasting can result in abrasions and eye injuries. Dust can be silica-based, which can cause incurable lung injury or disease. The particles given off by certain metals can be toxic and cause serious injury. Cumulative exposure to high-decibel operations may result in permanent hearing impairment.
When work is done on ladders, cherry pickers and scaffolds, there is a potential for severe injury or death from falling, being struck by falling objects, or adverse weather conditions. The absence of good maintenance of scaffolds, proper use of basic safety equipment, such as properly installed guards, safety belts, steel-toed shoes, as well as hearing and eye protection, and strict enforcement of safety practices may indicate a morale hazard.
Back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains can occur from lifting and from setting up scaffolding and machinery, and from placing objects to be cleaned or polished into the blasting cabinets at the yard site. Workers may be injured in auto accidents during transportation to and from job sites.
Property exposures at the contractor's premises are generally limited to an office and storage of equipment, supplies and vehicles. If sandblasting is done on premises, fire or explosion potential exists from sparks or high temperatures created by the process. Adequate dust control and cooling are needed. There may be a garage area for vehicles transporting equipment and crew to job sites. Property stored outside may be a target for vandalism.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty, including theft of customers' goods. Background checks, including criminal history, should be obtained on each employee prior to hiring. Ordering, billing, and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly. There should be appropriate procedures in place when employees accept payments off site.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the contractor offers credit to customers, contractors' equipment for supplies and equipment taken to customers' premises, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Equipment may be subject to loss from theft, collision, overturn, and abrasive damage from overspray during operations. Scaffolding left on the jobsite overnight may be vandalized or stolen.
Business auto exposure generally includes driving to and from clients' premises with crew, equipment and supplies. Specialized vehicles, such as cherry pickers, or hauling large scaffolding may necessitate oversized or unsteady loads, with a high potential for collision or overturn. All drivers must be well trained and have valid licenses for the type of vehicle being driven. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.
What Does Sandblasting Contractors Insurance Cover & Pay For?
Sandblasting contractors may be sued for a variety of reasons, including:
Property Damage: Sandblasting involves high-pressure blasting of abrasive materials, which can cause damage to property, such as chipping or cracking of surfaces. If the property owner or manager holds the contractor liable for the damage, they may sue them.
Insurance Coverage: A general liability insurance policy may provide coverage for property damage claims. The policy may help pay for the legal costs of defending the contractor against the claim, as well as any settlement or judgment.
Personal Injury: Sandblasting can also cause injuries to individuals in the vicinity, such as eye or lung injuries from inhaling dust or debris. If someone is injured due to the contractor's negligence, they may sue the contractor for damages.
Insurance Coverage: A general liability insurance policy may provide coverage for personal injury claims. The policy may help pay for the legal costs of defending the contractor against the claim, as well as any settlement or judgment.
Breach of Contract: If the sandblasting contractor fails to fulfill the terms of their contract, the property owner or manager may sue them for breach of contract.
Insurance Coverage: A professional liability insurance policy may provide coverage for breach of contract claims. The policy may help pay for the legal costs of defending the contractor against the claim, as well as any settlement or judgment.
Failure to Meet Industry Standards: Sandblasting contractors are required to meet industry standards and regulations to ensure the safety of the workers and the public. If the contractor fails to meet these standards and regulations, they may be sued.
Insurance Coverage: A professional liability insurance policy may provide coverage for failure to meet industry standards claims. The policy may help pay for the legal costs of defending the contractor against the claim, as well as any settlement or judgment.
In summary, insurance can help protect sandblasting contractors from lawsuits by providing coverage for claims related to property damage, personal injury, breach of contract, and failure to meet industry standards. It's important for contractors to have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves from the financial impact of a lawsuit.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 1799 Special Trade Contractors NEC
- NAICS CODE: 238990 All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 5213 Dam or Lock Construction - Concrete Work - All Operations
1799: Special Trade Contractors NEC
Division C: Construction | Major Group 17: Construction Special Trade Contractors | Industry Group 179: Miscellaneous Special Trade Contractors
1799 Special Trade Contractors NEC: Special trade contractors primarily engaged in construction work, not elsewhere classified, such as construction of swimming pools and fences, erection and installation of ornamental metal work, house moving, shoring work, waterproofing, dampproofing, fireproofing, sandblasting, and steam cleaning of building exteriors.
- Antenna installation, except household type-contractors
- Artificial turf installation-contractors
- Awning installation-contractors
- Bath tub refinishing-contractors
- Boring for building construction-contractors
- Bowling alley installation and service-contractors
- Cable splicing service, nonelectrical-contractors
- Caulking (construction)-contractors
- Cleaning building exteriors-contractors
- Cleaning new buildings after construction-contractors
- Coating of concrete structures with plastics-contractors
- Core drilling for building construction-contractors
- Counter top installation-contractors
- Dampproofing buildings-contractors
- Dewatering-contractors
- Diamond drilling for building construction-contractors
- Epoxy application-contractors
- Erection and dismantling of forms for poured concrete-contractors
- Fence construction-contractors
- Fire escape installation-contractors
- Fireproofing buildings-contractors
- Forms for poured concrete, erection and dismantling-contractors
- Gas leakage detection-contractors
- Gasoline pump installation-contractors
- Glazing of concrete surfaces-contractors
- Grave excavation-contractors
- House moving-contractors
- Insulation of pipes and boilers-contractors
- Lead burning-contractors
- Lightning conductor erection-contractors
- Mobile home site setup and tie down-contractors
- Ornamental metalwork-contractors
- Paint and wallpaper stripping-contractors
- Plastics wall tile installation-contractors
- Posthole digging-contractors
- Sandblasting of building exteriors-contractors
- Scaffolding construction-contractors
- Service and repair of broadcasting stations-contractors
- Service station equipment installation, maintenance, and repair-
- Shoring and underpinning work-contractors
- Spectator seating installation-contractors
- Steam cleaning of building exteriors-contractors
- Steeplejacks
- Swimming pool construction-contractors
- Television and radio stations, service and repair of-contractors
- Test boring for construction-contractors
- Tile installation, wall: plastics-contractors
- Tinting glass-contractors
- Wallpaper removal-contractors
- Waterproofing-contractors
- Weather stripping-contractors
- Welding contractors, operating at site of construction
- Window shade installation-contractors
Sandblasting Contractor Insurance - The Bottom Line
The sandblasting contracting industry can be quite lucrative; however, there are certain risks that are associated with operating a business in this industry. To protect yourself from these perils, it is absolutely essential for you to invest in the right type of sandblasting contractors insurance coverage; furthermore, you need to make sure that you are carrying enough coverage.
You can find out exactly what type of coverage - and how much - you need by speaking to an experienced insurance broker. One of the best things you can do for your business is protect it with the right insurance.
Additional Resources For Contractors & Home Improvement Insurance
Learn about small business contractor's insurance, including what it covers, how much it costs - and how commercial insurance can help protect your contracting business from lawsuits.
- Air Conditioning Systems Installation Repair
- Appliance Repair & Service
- Blacksmith & Metal Workers
- Boat Repair & Dry Docks
- Boiler Contractors
- Builders Risk
- Building Cleaning & Maintenance Services
- Cabinet Installer
- Cable And Satellite TV Installer
- Carpentry
- Chimney Sweep
- Cistern Contractors
- Contractor Liability
- Curtain Cleaners
- Deck Builders
- Door And Window Installers
- Dryer Vent Cleaning
- Drywall Contractor
- Electrical Contractors
- Environmental Remediation Contractors
- Fence Installation
- Fire Sprinkler Contractors
- Fire & Water Restoration Contractors
- Flooring Contractor
- Furniture Repair
- Garage Door Installer And Repair
- General Contractors
- Glass Contractor
- Glazier Insurance
- Gutter Installation And Repair
- Handyman
- House Cleaning
- HVAC Contractor
- Insulation Contractor
- Janitorial Cleaning Services
- Landscaping
- Lawn Care
- Lawn Irrigation Sprinkler System Installation
- Locksmith
- Oil And Gas Well Drilling Contractors
- Painters
- Paperhanging Contractors
- Plastering And Stucco Contractor
- Plumbing
- Pressure Washing Contractors
- Propane And Fuel Dealers
- Rug, Upholstery & Carpet Cleaning
- Sandblasting Contractors
- Security Alarm
- Septic Tank Cleaning
- Siding Contractor
- Sign Installation & Repair
- Solar Panel Installers
- Snow Plow
- Stone And Tile Installer
- Subcontractor
- Surety Bonds
- Swimming Pool Contractor
- Swimming Pool Service And Maintenance
- Tank Cleaners
- Tool Grinding And Repair
- Tree Surgeon
- Tree Trimming
- Upholstery Shop
- Waste Haulers & Garbage Collection
- Water Well Drilling
- Welding Contractor
- Wildlife & Pest Control
- Window Cleaning
- Specialty Contractors
The contracting industry is a field that involves a lot of risks, both for the contractor and for the clients they work for. This is why commercial insurance is so important for contractors. Insurance can protect contractors from a variety of potential losses, such as:
Liability: If a contractor causes damage to a client's property or if a client is injured while on a job site, the contractor could be held legally responsible. Liability insurance can cover legal fees and any settlements or judgments that may be awarded.
Property damage: Contractors often use a lot of expensive equipment and tools, and there is always a risk that this equipment could be damaged or stolen. Commercial property insurance can help cover the cost of replacing damaged or stolen equipment.
Business interruption: If a contractor is unable to work due to an unforeseen event, such as a natural disaster, insurance can help cover their lost income during this time.
Workers compensation: If a contractor or one of their employees is injured on the job, worker's comp can help cover medical expenses and lost wages.
Overall, commercial insurance is an important risk management tool for contractors. It can provide financial protection against a wide range of potential losses, helping contractors to stay in business and continue serving their clients.
Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Employee Dishonesty, Contractors' Equipment and Tools, General Liability, Employee Benefits Liability, Umbrella Liability, Automobile Liability and Physical Damage, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.
Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Business Income with Extra Expense, Earthquake, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Accounts Receivable, Builders Risk, Computers, Goods in Transit, Installation Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practicesand Stop Gap Liability.
