INSURANCE FOR MASONRY

Premises liability exposure at the contractor's office is generally limited due to the lack of visitor access. Equipment and materials stored in the open may present an attractive nuisance exposure. Job site exposures will vary based on whether work being done is new construction, repair, or renovation of existing masonry, whether work is underground or at heights, and whether it is inside or outside.

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Protecting pedestrians and employees of other contractors from dropped objects and trip and fall hazards is important when working at heights. Masonry materials in the open may create an attractive nuisance hazard to children who enjoy climbing.

Completed operations liability exposures can be high due to the injury and property damage that can result from improper installation and support. If a wall, column, or foundation cannot support the required load, the entire structure may shift or collapse. Careful attention must be paid to the type and material of brick and to the mix of the mortar to ensure a solid foundation.

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When veneer is being applied, there must be adequate attachment points to prevent separation. Hazards increase in the absence of proper record keeping of work orders and change orders, as well as inspection and signed approval of finished work by the customer.

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Workers compensation exposures can be high due to the heavy weight of masonry building materials. Lifting strains and crush injuries may arise at every phase of the operations. From the laying of the bricks, stone, or blocks, to bracing partially completed work, frequent and severe losses can occur. Work done above or below ground can result in injury or death from falls, the collapse of scaffolds or trenches, or being struck by falling objects.

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Other common hazards include cuts and puncture wounds from working with hand tools, foreign objects in the eye, and exposure to dust from bricks, stone, and mortar.

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Property exposures at the contractor's own location usually consist of an office and storage of material, equipment, and vehicles. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems. The storage of bricks and stones is common, but these are not particularly subject to loss from either weather or fire. Pilfering employees or others may be a problem since there are such a wide variety of uses. Some types of stone have relatively high value. Vandalism may be a problem. There should be adequate safeguards to prevent young people from trespassing.

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Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty. Background checks should be conducted prior to hiring any employee. All orders, billing, and disbursements must be handled as separate duties and annual external audits conducted.

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Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the contractor bills customers for services, contractors' tools and equipment, goods in transit, installation floater, and valuable papers and records for custom project plans, clients' and suppliers' information. The contractors' equipment can be employees' tools only or can include specialized lifting equipment or scaffolding.

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The training of drivers and haulers, especially with respect to the loading, tie-down, and unloading of heavy masonry materials, is important to avoid overturn or collision. A potentially severe installation/builders' risk exposure may arise from inadequate bracing of partially complete walls or other structures. Poor support, especially overnight between work times, may leave the structure vulnerable to collapse from wind or rain. Equipment and supplies may be damaged by dropping and falling from heights, especially when lifting masonry to the above ground stories of buildings.

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Materials and equipment left at job sites may be subject to theft and vandalism loss unless proper controls are in place. Copies of building plans should be kept at an offsite location for easier restoration.

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Commercial auto exposures can be high due to the transport of bulky material that can shift and result in overturn. Scaffolding must be tied down securely. All drivers must have appropriate licenses and acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be maintained and the records kept in a central location.

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Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

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• SIC CODE: 1741 Masonry, Stone Setting and Other Stonework

• NAICS CODE: 238140 Masonry Contractors

• Suggested ISO General Liability Code(s): 97447

• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 5022, 5222

 

Description for 1741: Masonry, Stone Setting, and Other Stone Work

Division C: Construction | Major Group 17: Construction Special Trade Contractors | Industry Group 174: Masonry, Stonework, Tile Setting, And Plastering | 1741 Masonry, Stone Setting, and Other Stone Work

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1741 Masonry, Stone Setting, and Other Stone Work: Special trade contractors primarily engaged in masonry work, stone setting, and other stone work. Special trade contractors primarily engaged in concrete work are classified in Industry 1771; those engaged in digging foundations are classified in Industry 1794; and those engaged in the construction of streets, highways, and alleys are classified in Industry 1611.

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• Bricklaying-contractors

• Chimney construction and maintenance-contractors

• Concrete block laying-contractors

• Foundations, building of: block, stone, or brick-contractors

• Marble work, exterior construction-contractors

• Masonry-contractors

• Refactory brick construction-contractors

• Retaining wall construction: block, stone, or brick-contractors

• Stone setting-contractors

• Stonework erection-contractors

• Tuck pointing-contractors