The term artisan contractor is one used widely throughout the insurance industry, but is not so common throughout the general population. The term includes carpenter, plumber, painter, electrician, mechanic, mason, or any other sort of skilled contractor. The level of risk that each of these professions takes on is different and because of that the amount they pay for commercial insurance premium is reflected by that amount of risk.
For this reason; if you operate in one of these industries, it is important to spend some extra time speaking with your insurance agent about precisely what your business does and does not do. This is especially important for handy man contractors who may do several types of work that may not be able to put them in one particular classification code. After a thorough conversation with your agent, they should be able to properly classify you for all of your business insurance needs.
When it comes to workers compensation coverage, similar to that of an electrician, risks for a painter vary based on the size and nature of the job. Employees may be exposed to dust and chips containing lead. Lifting, back injury, hernia, and sprain and strain are all common occurrences for a painter as paint buckets can be heavy. How your and your employees use power tools can result in cuts and burns that cause claims.
When painting or other work is done on ladders and scaffolds, there is a potential for injury from falling or being struck by falling objects. Adverse weather conditions may be a risk to the painter as well. Good maintenance of scaffolds, proper use of basic safety equipment, such as properly installed guards, steel-toed shoes, and eye protection, and strict enforcement of safety practices are important to prevent claims. Another serious exposure is the removal of old paint. Lack of a procedure to determine if the paint to be removed is lead based, or lack of procedures for safe clean-up and disposal of chips and the solvents used to remove lead, adds significantly to the potential for claims.
Common classification codes that are used by Painters.
• 5037- Painting Contractor- Metal Structures Above 2 Stories
• 9501- Painters- Shop Only
• 5474- Painters and Painting Contractors
• 6874- Federal Code- Painting Ship Hulls