Employers’ Liability Insurance for High-Risk Contractors
Protecting Your People. Complying with the Law.
If you employ staff, labourers, or subcontractors under your direction, you’re legally required to have Employers’ Liability Insurance. But in high-risk trades like scaffolding, rope access, and asbestos removal, having the right cover can be the difference between survival and financial ruin.
At Qudos Insurance Brokers we specialise in Employers’ Liability Insurance for trades that operate in dangerous, unpredictable, and often high-liability environments.
Who Needs Public Liability Insurance?
If you hire anyone—full-time, part-time, apprentices, or labour-only subcontractors—you’re legally required to hold a minimum of £5 million Employers’ Liability cover.
We provide specialist Employers’ Liability Insurance for:
Rope Access Technicians
High-risk work at height on towers, bridges, or industrial sites. We cover injury claims, PPE issues, and falls under your direction.
Scaffolders and Scaffolding Firms
A critical trade with a high injury rate. We provide liability cover for scaffolders, including collapse risk, falls from height, and tool-related injuries.
Asbestos Removal Contractors
Licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal operatives require specialist liability insurance to cover respiratory injury claims and HSE investigations.
Demolition Workers
Heavy-duty machinery, structural instability, and hazardous materials mean demolition contractors face a high chance of accident claims.
Steel Erectors & Structural Workers
Handling steel at height comes with risks. We cover lifting injuries, equipment accidents, and falls.
Groundworkers & Excavation Teams
Trenching, shoring, and working with heavy plant puts workers at serious risk. Our insurance protects you from claims and prosecutions.
Tree Surgeons & Arborists
Chainsaw-related injuries and falls are common in this trade. We ensure you meet your legal obligation while keeping your team protected.
What Does Employers’ Liability Insurance Cover?
- Claims for employee injury or work-related illness
- Legal defence costs and compensation payouts
- Accidents caused by falling objects, sharp tools, or faulty equipment
- Injuries due to manual handling, exposure to hazardous substances, or poor working conditions
- Optional extras: Labour-only subcontractor cover, temporary worker extensions, and contractual obligations
Frequently Asked Questions
Employers’ Liability Insurance protects your business against claims if an employee becomes injured or ill due to work. It covers compensation, legal fees, and court-awarded costs.
Yes. If you employ anyone (including labour-only subcontractors), you are legally required to have Employers’ Liability Insurance under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969.
By law, you need at least £5 million, but most high-risk contractors opt for £10 million cover—especially when working with local authorities, large contractors, or on public infrastructure.
Public Liability covers claims from the public or third parties. Employers’ Liability covers injury or illness claims from people who work for you.
Don’t Risk a £2,500 Fine—Per Day
Operating without Employers’ Liability can lead to HSE fines of up to £2,500 for every day you’re not insured. It also leaves you exposed to unlimited compensation claims.
Our team will help you stay compliant, protected, and covered—even if you work in the most hazardous trades.