Developments around health and safety in the workplace across the world are sparking fierce debate on the issue of employer responsibilities. These discussions are shaping the future for businesses all over the world, as companies get to grips with what they need to do to protect their profits and their staff against the dangers of illness and injury. Many are asking important questions, such as what is public liability insurance?
Thanks to public liability insurance, businesses have been well protected against the cost of insurance claims by employees who have been injured or taken ill in the work place. This type of insurance cover is very common in business and although it is not a legal requirement in Ireland most businesses purchase a purchase public liability Insurance to protect themselves from unforeseen events.
The harsh economic climate of recent years is taking its toll on all businesses, big and small, and everyone is making cut backs where they can. Unfortunately, it is often the ‘just in case something goes wrong’ purchases that come under close scrutiny when business owners are looking at where they can make quick and easy savings.
Those owners might look at their public liability insurance and see it as being ‘less-than-essential’, but they risk the long-term benefits for a short-term saving.
In 2011/2012, no less than 14 member clubs of the Donegal Gaelic Athletic Association failed to renew their property and public liability insurance.
Terrence McGinley, a member of local Donegal team Naomh Ultan, raised the matter at a county committee meeting at the time.
He said: “It is highly irresponsible of these clubs not to have their property and public liability insurance. I don’t know who the clubs are, and for that matter my own club could be one of them, but it is not good enough and it is not on.
“What happens if a supporter or someone from another club or a member of the general public turns up at one of these grounds and gets injured and makes a claim – who is liable?”
This is just one example of where public liability insurance can help cover an organisation in the event of an accident. This can easily be translated into any business across any industry. As you can see, as a business owner, you will be keeping yourself, your staff and your business fully protected from any unforeseen incidents that may otherwise leave you in a bad situation financially.
Here are some more Examples of where you would be protected by Public Liability Insurance;
- A carpet fitter accidentally breaks an antique vase when bringing carpet into the house.
- A visitor, tripping over loose carpet in reception, twists their knee requiring surgery and months of physiotherapy.
- A plumber damages a pipe, which leaks into a business’s server room – not only causing thousands of euro worth of property damage but the resulting damage means the business is unable to carry out work for several weeks.
As standard there are three levels of Public Liability cover; €1.3 million, €2.6 million & €6.5 million. If you feel it necessary, you can request a higher amount of cover than these standard levels, but as a rule of thumb these are the generally accepted standards.
At Insuremyshop.ie, we have a dedicated public liability team that can help talk you through getting the right cover for your circumstances. We are experts in our field and can also help you to save money on your insurance through knowledge of the insurance industry. You can reach our team by calling 016606900 or you can fill out our quick quote form online.
