What insurance do scaffolders need?

As scaffolding is a high-risk occupation, scaffolders typically require a wider range of insurance covers than lower-risk occupations. While some forms of scaffolders' insurance may be legally required, others may be requested by clients, principal contractors, or local authorities before agreeing to work together. 

Read our guide below to understand the main types of insurance scaffolders commonly consider and why they may be important for managing the risks associated with scaffolding work. 

The availability and scope of cover will depend on the insurer, policy wording, terms, conditions and exclusions. Businesses should carefully review policy documentation to ensure the cover meets their needs. 

Why do scaffolders need specialist insurance? 

Unlike trades that primarily work on finished structures, such as painters or plasterers, scaffolders are responsible for erecting, modifying and dismantling temporary structures that other contractors rely on to work safely. If a problem occurs with a scaffold, the consequences can be serious, ranging from property damage to significant personal injury claims. 

Scaffolders may be exposed to risks including: 

Additionally, many scaffolding businesses work on projects where insurance requirements form part of the tender process. Without appropriate cover in place, some businesses may be unable to secure certain contracts or gain access to certain sites. 

For guidance on working safely at height, the Health and Safety Executive provides detailed resources in its work at height guidance.  

What insurance do scaffolders need by law? 

Employers' liability insurance 

If you employ staff, employers' liability insurance is a legal requirement in the UK. The cover is designed to protect your business if an employee suffers an injury or illness connected to their work and makes a claim against the company. 

For scaffolders, examples could include: 

As stated on GOV.UK, businesses that are required to hold this insurance can face penalties if they do not have appropriate cover in place. 

Always seek professional advice from a qualified legal expert if you are unsure whether this legal obligation applies to your business. 

What insurance do scaffolders need to consider? 

All the following insurance covers may be worthwhile considerations, depending on your business circumstances and needs: 

Public liability insurance 

Public liability insurance is one of the most common covers arranged for scaffolding businesses. Although it is not typically a legal requirement, clients, developers, and principal contractors may expect scaffolders to hold it before work begins. 

Public liability insurance may provide protection if your business is alleged to have caused: 

For example, if a scaffold fitting falls and damages a parked vehicle below, or a member of the public suffers an injury resulting from scaffolding work, public liability insurance may assist  with covered claims, subject to policy terms and conditions. 

Commercial contracts can sometimes specify minimum public liability limits, making it an important consideration for businesses that bid for larger projects. 

Contract works insurance 

Contract works insurance is often considered by scaffolders involved in larger or more complex construction projects. Depending on your policy, contract works insurance may help protect: 

This can be particularly relevant where scaffolding forms a critical part of an ongoing construction project. However, the scope of protection can vary significantly between insurers, so it is important to review policy documentation carefully. 

Responsibility for arranging contract works insurance varies between projects and contractual arrangements. Scaffolders should check whether cover is required under contract and who is responsible for arranging it. 

Occupational personal accident insurance 

For self-employed scaffolders and company directors, occupational personal accident insurance can provide an additional layer of protection. 

Unlike liability insurance, which responds to claims from third parties or employees, personal accident cover is typically intended to support the insured individual following a serious injury. This may be particularly relevant in scaffolding, where an accident could result in an extended period away from work. 

Depending on the policy, cover may provide benefits following specified injuries or periods of incapacity – the exact protection available will vary between insurers and policy wordings. 

Personal accident insurance is not a substitute for income protection and benefits, limits and qualifying criteria vary by insurer. 

Professional indemnity insurance  

Some scaffolding businesses provide more than labour and installation services. For example, a scaffolding contractor may design scaffold structures, produce scaffold calculations, provide technical recommendations, or offer project-specific advice. 

Where professional advice or design work is provided, professional indemnity insurance may be worth considering. This type of cover is generally designed to respond to allegations that professional services, designs, or advice have resulted in a financial loss for a client. 

The necessity for professional indemnity insurance often depends on the nature of the work being carried out and any contractual obligations imposed by clients. Businesses that only supply labour and installation services may not require professional indemnity insurance, although contractual requirements should always be considered. 

Legal expenses insurance 

Legal disputes can arise even when a project has been completed successfully. Securing legal expenses insurance may help you with certain legal costs associated with covered disputes involving: 

The protection available will depend on the insurer and policy chosen. 

Directors’ and officers' insurance 

For limited companies, directors’ and officers’ (D&O) insurance is a cover typically designed to protect company directors and senior management against certain claims arising from their management responsibilities. 

This type of cover may be more relevant for established scaffolding businesses with multiple directors, employees, or shareholders. 

Tools insurance 

Scaffolding businesses often rely on specialist tools and equipment to complete jobs efficiently and safely, and the theft or damage of essential equipment can result in unexpected costs and project delays. 

Tools insurance may help protect items such as: 

Many insurers offer varying levels of cover, so businesses should check policy limits, storage requirements and exclusions carefully.