Scaffolders Insurance
Protect your scaffolding business against the significant risks of erecting and dismantling scaffolding structures on construction sites.
Get in touchWhat is scaffolders insurance?
Scaffolders insurance is a specialist trade policy designed for scaffolding contractors who erect, alter and dismantle temporary access structures. It typically includes public liability, employers liability and cover for your scaffolding equipment.
Scaffolding work is classified as high risk by insurers due to the danger of collapse, falling objects and working at significant heights. Standard trade insurance products rarely provide adequate cover.
Cecil works with insurers who specialise in scaffolding and construction access, ensuring your policy covers the full scope of your work without unexpected gaps.
Public Liability
Covers claims from third parties injured or whose property is damaged by your scaffolding.
Employers Liability
Required by law, covering injury and illness claims from your scaffolding operatives.
Tools and Equipment
Covers your scaffolding stock, fittings and transport equipment against loss or damage.
Commercial Vehicle
Covers your scaffolding transport vehicles and flatbed trucks.
Who needs scaffolders insurance?
Scaffolding contractors
Erecting and dismantling scaffolding on residential and commercial sites
Industrial scaffolders
Providing access solutions for industrial maintenance and shutdowns
Scaffolding hire companies
Hiring out scaffolding equipment with or without labour
Temporary roof specialists
Installing temporary roof structures for construction projects
Access platform providers
Supplying mobile towers and specialist access platforms
Licensing and accreditation for scaffolders
Scaffolders must comply with the Working at Height Regulations 2005 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. While there is no formal licensing requirement, scaffolding work is heavily regulated due to the high risk of serious injury or death. Competent design, inspection, and certification are legal requirements — work must be planned by a competent person and regularly inspected.
Most clients require scaffolders to hold public liability insurance and to provide evidence of health and safety compliance. Building sites routinely require safety method statements and risk assessments before scaffolding work begins. Main contractors and developers often specify minimum insurance requirements in contracts.
Public liability insurance is not a legal requirement but is effectively mandatory in practice. Clients, site managers, and building insurers expect substantial cover due to the high risk of serious injury or property damage from scaffold failure.
Insurance protects you against claims arising from scaffold failure, collapse, or injury. Scaffolding is one of the highest-risk trades, so ensure your cover includes emergency support and covers design liability if you design bespoke scaffold systems.
How much does scaffolders insurance cost?
£300 – £800 per year for sole traders; scaffolding companies with employees may pay £1,000 – £2,500
Real claims: what scaffolders insurance covers
A scaffolder's improperly braced temporary scaffold collapsed during high winds, causing a fall from height and serious injuries to a worker on an adjacent site.
Public liability covered the injured party's compensation claim, emergency medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation, and the insured's legal costs in defending the claim.
£125,000 total — £95,000 compensation for serious injury from height, £20,000 emergency medical treatment and rehabilitation, £10,000 legal defence costs
A scaffolder's employee was struck by falling scaffold components while working at height, resulting in a serious head injury and permanent neurological damage.
Employers liability covered the employee's compensation for serious permanent injury, specialist neurological rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and home modifications.
£148,000 total — £120,000 permanent injury compensation, £20,000 specialist rehabilitation and medical care, £8,000 legal fees
A scaffolder's inadequate design of a bespoke scaffold for a complex restoration project caused the structure to shift during use, damaging the building and creating a safety hazard.
Professional indemnity covered the cost of redesigning and rebuilding the scaffold to correct specifications, remedial repairs to the building, and compensation to the contractor.
£38,500 total — £26,000 scaffold redesign and rebuild, £10,000 building remedial repairs, £2,500 compensation and legal fees
WHY CECIL
Built differently.
Specialist high-risk cover
Scaffolding is one of the highest-risk trades in construction. Cecil finds insurers who understand scaffolding work and provide cover without excessive exclusions or inflated premiums.
Equipment cover for your stock
Your scaffolding tubes, fittings and boards represent a major investment. Cecil ensures your equipment is covered on site, in transit and in storage.
Fair pricing from specialist insurers
Many general trade insurers will not cover scaffolders or charge prohibitive premiums. Cecil works with specialist insurers who focus on this sector and price the risk accurately.
Claims expertise for scaffolding incidents
Scaffolding claims can involve serious injury and complex liability questions. Cecil partners with insurers experienced in defending and settling scaffolding claims efficiently.
Common questions about scaffolders insurance
Do scaffolders need public liability insurance?
Public liability is not a legal requirement but it is essential for scaffolding contractors. Main contractors will not let you work without it, and the potential cost of a scaffolding collapse claim makes it a necessity.
What level of public liability do scaffolders need?
Most scaffolding contractors need at least £5m of public liability cover, with many commercial clients requiring £10m. The potential severity of a scaffolding collapse claim justifies higher limits.
Does scaffolders insurance cover hire equipment?
Your policy typically covers scaffolding equipment you own. If you hire in additional equipment, you may need separate cover or confirmation from the hire company.
Is CISRS registration needed for scaffolding insurance?
Most insurers prefer or require that your operatives hold CISRS cards. Having properly qualified staff can result in lower premiums.
Do I need formal certification or competence training to design and install scaffolding?
Yes. Scaffold design and installation must be carried out by competent persons. While there is no formal 'licence', you must meet the requirements of the Working at Height Regulations 2005. Many insurers require evidence of training, such as CITB qualifications or equivalent competence assessment.
Am I covered if a scaffold I install is used for purposes beyond what I designed it for?
Your liability typically covers proper use of the scaffold in line with your design and specification. If a client uses the scaffold for unintended purposes, liability becomes unclear — document your design specifications and safety instructions in writing to limit exposure.
What do I do if I identify a defect or unsafe condition on a scaffold I installed?
Stop work immediately and notify the site manager and customer. Provide a written report of the defect and recommend remedial action. Document everything and notify your insurer. Your professional indemnity cover will protect you if you follow proper procedures.
Does my insurance cover the cost of regular scaffold inspections and certifications?
Regular inspection is a legal requirement under the Working at Height Regulations, but insurance covers the cost of damage claims, not routine inspections. Treat inspections as a business cost and legal requirement, not an insured activity.
Am I covered for emergency scaffold removal and temporary support structures?
Yes, emergency support work and temporary scaffolding to stabilise structures is typically covered. However, confirm that emergency work is explicitly included in your policy, as some insurers may require advance notification or specific endorsements.
Interested in Scaffolders insurance?
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