5 Risks That Plumbers Take on a Daily Basis

Plumbing is a little bit more dangerous than you might believe, and there are several hazards that plumbers face every day. As a plumber, you need the best insurance that will protect you, your staff, and your business, giving you a holistic solution for every issue.

Plus, you need to take these hazards seriously and ensure that you have enough coverage to handle the claims that could very well arise—even in a worst-case scenario.

1. Gas Lines and Leaks

Plumbers often encounter gas lines and leaks. While a gas leak isn’t fatal on its own—you can smell the leak—you must clear the area, shut off the gas, clear the air, and repair the damage. This can be difficult because gas lines still have pressure in them and all your tools are capable of generating a dangerous spark.

Plus, plumbers should carry insurance or surety bonds that will rise to the level of damage that might be done by faulty gas lines, including covering the work that was not completed.

2. Slips, Trips, and Falls on the Job

Everyone has slipped, tripped, or fallen on the job at some point, but are you truly prepared for these accidents? While you need liability insurance and workers’ comp coverage, you also need to prevent these accidents as much as you can. Wear work-appropriate boots or shoes, look out for wet spots, avoid areas that don’t seem safe to traverse, and use tethering equipment if you must climb to a height.

Also, you should report injuries as soon as they happen. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your workers’ comp carrier and go to the doctor—or send your staff to the hospital. Safety is always more important than the job at hand.

3. Electrical Hazards

Electrical hazards are enhanced on plumbing jobs because water conducts electricity rather well. Plumbers should be on the lookout for short circuits, sparking or jumping cables, arcing electricity, and the like.

In short, do not go anywhere that seems unsafe. Turn the power off first. Don’t be afraid to tell your customers they need an electrician before you can go in.

4. Hot Water and Steam Burns

Hot water and steam burns are relatively common. Wear protective clothing, protective eyewear, and stand clear of any devices on which you are working. If you feel you cannot tackle the job alone, call in another plumber to help, further avoiding a potentially catastrophic situation.

5. Cuts, Lacerations, Repetitive Motion Injuries, and More

Cuts, lacerations, repetitive motion injuries, and other incidents are relatively common when you work with your hands. Wear protective gloves, grab a helmet, use protective eyewear consistently, and rely on steel-toed boots.

While you cannot prevent all accidents, protective clothing is a good place to start.

Additionally, you should work slowly so as to avoid injuries caused by rushing through a job, carelessly causing an injury.

Contact Buren Insurance Group for Plumber’s Insurance and Much More

Reach out to our team at the Buren Insurance Group when you need help with insurance for plumbers and contractors. We also offer information on safety programs that can propel your business forward and cut back on costly insurance claims.