Scaffolders Insurance Guide: Cover for Scaffolding Contractors

What is scaffolders insurance?

Scaffolders insurance refers to a package of cover tailored to businesses involved in erecting, altering, dismantling, or hiring scaffolding structures. Because scaffolding work involves working at height and on construction sites, standard public liability cover for a general trade may not adequately reflect the risks involved, so specialist policies are often used instead.

A typical policy brings together public liability for third-party injury or damage claims, employers’ liability if staff are employed, and often cover for tools, equipment, and scaffolding materials themselves. Some policies may also include contract works cover for damage to the scaffolding or site while a project is ongoing.

Who needs this cover?

This insurance suits scaffolding contractors of all sizes, from sole traders to larger firms with employed scaffolders, as well as businesses that hire out scaffolding equipment. Many main contractors and site principals require scaffolding subcontractors to hold adequate public liability insurance, often to a specified minimum level, before they are permitted to work on site.

Anyone working at height on construction or domestic projects faces a materially different risk profile to other trades, given the potential severity of falls or structural failures, which is why specialist cover designed around scaffolding work is commonly sought rather than a generic trade policy.

What's covered and what's excluded

Public liability cover under a scaffolders policy typically responds to claims where a third party is injured or their property is damaged as a result of the scaffolding work, such as scaffolding collapsing or materials falling. Employers’ liability covers claims from employees injured while working, and is generally a legal requirement if staff are employed.

Tools and equipment cover can protect scaffolding poles, boards, and fittings against theft or damage, which is relevant given how much scaffolding equipment can be left on site unattended. Exclusions commonly include non-compliance with relevant safety guidance such as TG20 standards, uninsured subcontractors, and deliberate or reckless working practices, so it's important to understand the conditions attached to any policy.

• Public liability for third-party injury or property damage
• Employers' liability if staff are employed
• Tools, equipment and scaffolding materials cover
• Contract works cover for damage while work is ongoing (if included)
• Non-compliance with safety standards is typically excluded

What affects the price

Premiums are shaped by factors such as the size of the business, annual turnover, the height and complexity of the scaffolding work typically undertaken, the number of employees and subcontractors used, and claims history. Businesses that carry out more complex or higher-risk work, such as scaffolding on tall buildings or in confined spaces, may see this reflected in the price.

Insurers may also consider the qualifications and training of the workforce, such as CISRS cards, and whether the business follows recognised industry safety standards. The value of tools and equipment to be insured, and how securely they are stored, can also influence the cost of that section of cover.

Tips for scaffolding contractors

Keep records of training, qualifications, and safety procedures, as these can support both the insurance application process and any future claim. Make sure your declared level of public liability cover meets any minimum requirements set by the principal contractors or clients you typically work for.

If you hire out scaffolding equipment as well as erecting it, check whether this activity is specifically included in your policy, as hire-related risks can differ from installation work. Reviewing your sums insured for tools and materials periodically, especially as your business grows, can help avoid being underinsured.

How to get a quote

If you need insurance for scaffolding work, you can complete a short form describing your business activities and a specialist broker experienced in construction and height-related trades will be in touch to discuss suitable cover, with no obligation to proceed.

Frequently asked questions

Do scaffolders need a minimum level of public liability cover?

Many principal contractors require scaffolding subcontractors to hold a specified minimum level of public liability cover before working on site, though requirements vary by project.

Is employers' liability compulsory for scaffolding businesses?

Yes, employers' liability insurance is generally a legal requirement for any business that employs staff, including scaffolding contractors.

Does scaffolders insurance cover equipment left on site?

Tools and equipment cover can often be included to protect scaffolding materials against theft or damage, but terms and limits vary between policies.

Does safety compliance affect my cover?

Yes, policies often require work to follow recognised safety standards, and non-compliance could affect the validity of a claim.

What affects the cost of scaffolders insurance?

Business size, turnover, height and complexity of work, number of employees, and claims history are among the main factors influencing premiums.