Operating a pressure washing business comes with inherent risks. High-powered pressure washers generate significant force that could lead to injuries if mishandled. While safety protocols minimize risks, accidents still happen. This makes workers insurance critical for pressure washing companies.
What’s Workers Insurance?
Workers insurance, also called workers’ compensation insurance, provides coverage in case employees become injured or ill due to their job duties. It pays for medical expenses, lost income, rehabilitation costs and death benefits without requiring employees to prove fault or sue their employer.
Most states mandate that pressure washing businesses carry workers’ compensation if they have any employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. Even hiring contract laborers may still require coverage in some states.
Why Pressure Washing Businesses Need It
Operating high-powered pressure washing equipment brings risks. Pressure washers generate up to 4,000 PSI, which can cause severe cuts or puncture wounds if the water stream contacts skin. Eyes are also vulnerable to pressure washer-related injuries.
Simply slipping on a wet surface or strained muscles from carrying heavy equipment could also lead to worker injuries. Without insurance, the business must cover all costs out-of-pocket. This could be financially devastating, especially for small businesses. Workers insurance also helps businesses avoid OSHA fines, which can run upwards of $13,000 per violation.
Workers insurance for pressure washing business provides vital protection by paying for expenses like:
- Emergency room treatment
- Doctor visits
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages from missed work
- Permanent disability benefits
Some policies also include death benefits if an employee dies due to a workplace accident.
Lawsuits Protection
In addition to medical costs, workers insurance also provides liability coverage if an injured employee files a lawsuit. Defending lawsuits is extremely expensive. Legal fees and settlement payouts can easily reach six figures, bankrupting a small business. With insurance, the carrier covers these costs rather than the business paying out of pocket. Workers insurance for pressure washing businesses thus protects them from the potential financial devastation of an employee injury lawsuit.
Most Client Contracts Require It
Many clients specifically require proof of workers insurance before hiring a pressure washing company. Homeowners want the reassurance that any injuries or property damage will be covered by insurance rather than becoming their own liability. Having coverage makes a business more competitive and marketable to potential customers.
Premium Discounts
Workers insurance carriers reward safe businesses with policy discounts. Implementing robust training programs, following OSHA safety guidelines and using protective equipment may all qualify a pressure washing company for a premium credit. Discounts effectively lower the costs of coverage over time.
Provides Reassurance
Carrying proper workers insurance gives pressure washing businesses peace of mind that they can handle any incidents appropriately. Rather than paying thousands in medical bills out-of-pocket, the policy covers costs so the business can focus on the employee’s recovery rather than the financial stress.
Workers insurance is crucial for protecting pressure washing businesses against the inherent risks of the industry. It covers expenses related to employee injuries so companies avoid potentially massive costs. Policies also provide liability coverage for lawsuits and make businesses more marketable to clients. Ultimately, workers insurance provides vital financial protection and reassurance.
