1. Are there currently/will there be any changes to insurances policies as a result of COVID-19?
- We are not currently aware of any changes to the requirements to be met to maintain cover under the typical policies that must be maintained – All Risks, Employer/Public Liability, Professional Indemnity.
- Any insurer will struggle to impose additional risk requirements on their clients at this stage, as companies must operate within the government guidelines and directives which will be enforced as such. We find it hard to believe that an insurer would be able to enforce/impose further requirements, given the need for all to follow government guidance.
- The expectation is that insurers will be required to ‘play nice’!
2. What will insurers expect of policy holders?
- That they carry out their work in compliance with Government/PHE guidelines.
- They must manage the risks around Covid-19 in the same manner as they do with any other risk to the health of their employees.
- It is essential that they document their assessments of risk and how they are managing them.
3. What areas of risk?
Some examples (these are not exhaustive):
- Site access points – reduce site traffic where possible; practise social distancing; prioritise sanitation
- Site induction – consider offsite induction via virtual online classes.
- Canteen/eating facilities – remove communal facilities (e.g. coffee machines, kettles); keep areas clean; stagger eating times; only permit pre-made food and drink, or if catered pre-prepared and wrapped food;
- Welfare facilities – impose restrictions on use in order to maintain social distancing
4. Record keeping
- Keep detailed records of risk assessments and compliant methods of working; of employees entering and leaving site (who, when etc.)
- Comprehensive and accurate records will be vital in the event of having to make or defend claims under insurance policies, to show that everything has been done that could be done and is compliant.
