Keeping up-to-date with safety procedures could help save money on your garage insurance – and prevent claims. We are now full steam into 201 and spring is fast approaching. So with the increase of trips and other accidents in the work place, now could be the ideal opportunity to have a spring clean and tidy up around your garage premises.
Plan Insurance Brokers has provided insurance to traders for over 20 years. Here, the company provides some useful tips and information gathered from its insurers.
Trade Garage Insurance Stats*
“‘All injuries’ accident rates for the motor vehicle repair industry are higher than the average for the whole of manufacturing industry.”
– Around 200,000 UK workers are employed in the motor trade industry.
– There have been over 7,000 injuries in the motor vehicle repair industry over the last five years reported to the HSE and local authorities.
– There have been 33 deaths in the motor vehicle repair industry over the last five years reported to the HSE and local authorities.
– Around 1,600 other major / serious injuries to employees and self-employed persons.
– ‘All injuries’ accident rates for the motor vehicle repair industry are higher than the average for the whole of manufacturing industry.
*Stats obtained from the HSE website.
How does this affect your Motor Trade Garage Insurance?
With more and more people injuring themselves whilst at work, many trade insurers are increasing the cost of motor trade combined insurance premiums to combat the claims.
To help with this, many insurers are now sending out risk assessors to business premises to help prevent claims from happening.
If an insurer sends out a risk assessor after obtaining your MOT Station or garage insurance, you should try and see this as free benefit – not a hindrance.
Why? Risk assessors have everyone’s interest to protect. They will look at how you operate and often offer tips and advice on things you may not have noticed before. Plus – this is FREE expert advice given to you.
By offering this advice it should hopefully help prevent claims; and thus benefit you and the insurance company. Ultimately this will keep the cost of your garage insurance down.
Plan Insurance Brokers’ top 5 tips for keeping your garage safe:
Keep your work place tidy
Clear away tools, used items and airlines etc. when not in use. Sounds simple, but many insurers have claims involving people tripping over.
Wear the right clothing
Ensure all employees have the right clothing and are appropriately dressed to carry out their duties.
Keep machinery well maintained
Ensure that your ramps, jack and other machinery is maintained. It is recommended to have a service agreement in place where your equipment will be inspected annually. Many insurers can offer this at reduced cost.
Use the correct equipment and precautions
Nearly 10% of all serious injuries or deaths come from falling from heights. If you have to reach or climb for something, ask for help!
Always check your surroundings before starting or moving a vehicle
Nearly 40% of all serious injuries or deaths in motor trade premises come from the movement of vehicles. This could be vehicles not being secured before being lifted or vehicles being moved around workshops.
To read more from Plan Insurance, click here.
