Shropshire companies who need to renew vital insurance policies
may find they have some tough hurdles to negotiate.
Dave Williams, from Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and
Shrewsbury, said insurance companies were becoming increasingly
strict when it comes to renewing Employers' Liability policies.
"Many now ask for an audit on your health and safety
arrangements before they will offer you a renewal quote. And
following the audit, you will receive a long report from the
insurance company detailing the changes they want you to make
before your renewal can proceed."
Dave said common requirements included a more in-depth health
and safety policy, completing manual handling assessments,
additional risk assessments, and extra staff training.
"If you feel the criteria they're requesting is just a step too
far, you should ask your insurance broker to get quotes from other
insurers.
"There are huge differences between companies, so you may prefer
to shop around for cover elsewhere rather than going through the
upheaval of making wholesale changes to your operating
processes."
But Dave said although it's painful, the insurer may well have
done your company a favour by identifying serious failings.
"Even if you choose to seek cover from another company, you
should use the audit to tackle the weaknesses you need to address
in the future."
The audit report is likely to be broken down into three sections
and Dave said it was important to read the directions
carefully.
"If there is anything listed in the Compliance with Statutory
Regulations section, you must address it urgently as it means you
are definitely breaking the law.
"Comments in the 'Requirements' section should also be dealt
with as these actions should not only prevent accidents, but also
put your company in a better position if you are inspected.
"And although you should not ignore items in the
'Recommendations' section of the report, there is no need to make
them a top priority.
"It's better to address the issues the audit raises as it makes
it clear where you are failing to meet legal requirements - and
this is far preferable to facing enforcement action in the
future."