A man's home is his castle..... and you wouldn't leave a castle uninsured would you?

A recent study by the Insurance Times noted that premium was not the primary concern of people obtaining home insurance. As opposed to motor insurance, which is still predominantly a price driven market, it seems that people are more concerned about their worldly possessions and the roof over their head and how they can be adequately protected. Once the right cover is there then people focus on the price.

So what seems to be the main areas of concern for people?

Those little extras - Often overlooked are purchases throughout the year. At renewal we lay down our overall sums insured but also specify the items which need to be noted individually (valuables, antiques etcetera). Often insurance policies require you to note specifically items like mobile phones, laptops etcetera and so if these are upgraded during the year and not specified on the policy you could find yourself unable to claim. Bicycles are another perfect example. Most insurers will offer bike insurance free of charge but there will be limits on the value, the number, the activities the cover and the storage so if you are a bit of a cyclist then take a look at the policy wording.

When is a house not a house - The lines between what is buildings and what is contents is often a very blurry line and greyer than John Majors spitting image puppet (quite a niche reference there). As a general rule contents is anything that would fall out if you picked up the property and shook it about. This point is largely not a concern if you are insuring both buildings and contents with the same insurer however if you have separate policies or you only insure one aspect - either the building or the contents - then you might want to check the definitions in the policy wording. Whilst as a leaseholder you might consider buildings to encompass the lovely avocado coloured 1980's fitted bathroom that was there when you moved in - what happens when you replace that? Are you expecting the freeholder to pick up the cost of your expensive taps and hand carved Moroccan tiles when a claim comes in? Again, please check your policy wording to make sure you are putting the right sums insured in the right box.

Grand Designs? - Many of us, particularly in recent years have elected to extend up, down, sideways rather than move altogether but had we considered the implications of such work. Who is buying the materials - you or the contractor? How is the property secured? Does your contractor insuring the temporary works. Without exception your insurers will need to know that you are having work done on your property and there are always (to varying extents) conditions applicable. Whether it is some light decoration, a small extension or total refurbishment check with your insurer as to what must be done. It is much better to deal with these things in advance rather than pick up the pieces when you find out that there is no cover in place.

Whatever your main concern is it is vital that your home insurance fits with your lifestyle and that you don't let it become an afterthought but instead a front-line defence in protecting your way of life. If you need more guidance on the above or you want to ask any specific questions whether already our client or not we would love to hear from you. Please call our Personal Lines team on 0845 3315012 to discuss anything insurance related.

Alistair

Construction H&S Wisdom From Our Friends at Aviva (Other Friends are Available)

The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM) 

In an effort to try and bring some legislation and risk management info to you I have once again called upon our friends at Aviva who provide the following information. It is certainly worth reading through whether you are a contractor, employer, client  as there are implications for all! 

Enjoy,

Al

Introduction

The principal aim of the updated CDM Regulations, which came into effect on 6th

April 2007, is to raise the standard of construction health and safety management by trying to anticipate health and safety problems at the design stage.

The CDM Regulations place duties on clients, CDM Coordinators, designers, principal contractors, contractors and the self employed to plan, co-ordinate and manage health and safety throughout all stages of a construction project. This also includes maintenance work after completion and ultimately the demolition of the structure.

When does CDM apply?

CDM applies to all construction projects where people are at work, but projects lasting 30 days or more, or 500 person days or more will require notification to the Enforcing Authority and appointment of CDM coordinator, Principal Contractor and Designers. The arrangements for carrying out demolition and dismantling work must be recorded in writing.

CDM also applies to any design work no matter how long the work lasts.

The CDM Regulations place duties on clients, CDM Coordinators, designers, principal contractors, contractors and the self employed to plan, co-ordinate and manage health and safety throughout all stages of a construction project. This also includes maintenance work after completion and ultimately the demolition of the structure.

Clients

Client duties include:

• Make timely appointments of competent and adequately resourced CDM Coordinator, Designers and Principal Contractor

• Allow sufficient time for design and construction of the project

• Pass on relevant project health and safety information to those who need it (pre construction information)

• Ensure that an adequate Construction Phase Health and Safety Plan has been developed and that adequate welfare facilities are on site before work commences

• Make sure after completion, that the Health and Safety File is maintained and available for all who need it

• If the property is sold/leased then the Health and Safety File must be passed on to the new owners/lease holders

CDM Coordinator

The CDM Coordinator will usually be a team of experts rather than an individual. The main duties include; advise and assist client with their duties; coordinate design, planning and preparation work where relevant to health and safety; produce or update the Health and Safety File and deliver to client at end of project. The CDM Coordinator is also responsible for notifying the enforcing authority of all construction work expected to last more than 30 working days or 500 person days.

Designers

Designs must be developed which avoid or minimise risks to health and safety during construction, maintenance and demolition. The designer must provide information about significant risks. Design includes the preparation of specifications and is not limited to drawings.

Principal Contractor

The principal contractor should take account of health and safety aspects when preparing tender documents.

The pre-construction information is developed by the principal contractor who then co-ordinates the activities of all contractors to ensure effective compliance with health and safety legislation.

Contractors and the self employed

Other contractors and the self employed must co-operate with the principal contractor and provide risk information relating to their activities.

Health and Safety for Property Owners

Some advice for Property Owners from our friends at Aviva. Their risk management bods have put together this quick reference guide for Risk Management (including some legal obligations) for Property Owners. It is not always obvious what is and what isn't a legal requirement, particularly as the information doesn't always come to you - until now.

Health and Safety for Property Owners

Introduction

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (Section 4) requires persons in control of premises to make broad provisions for the health, safety and welfare of people (including visitors and other users). These duties are described more specifically in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and associated Approved Code of Practice, which establish a consistent set of standards for most premises.

Maintenance (Regulation 5)

The premises, equipment and devices and systems should be maintained in an efficient working order. Such maintenance is required for systems, equipment and devices which could cause a risk to health, safety or welfare if a fault occurred.
Where appropriate, a suitable system of maintenance ensures that:
a) regular maintenance including (as necessary), inspection testing, adjustment, lubrication and cleaning is carried out at suitable intervals;
b) any potentially dangerous defects are remedied and access to defective equipment is prevented in the meantime;
c) regular maintenance and remedial work is carried out properly; and
d) a suitable record is kept to ensure that the system is properly implemented, and to assist in validating maintenance
programmes.

Lighting (Regulation 8)

Good lighting is essential in all areas, particularly stairs and corridors to enable people to move about safely.

Cleanliness and Removal of Waste Material (Regulation 9)

Floors and indoor traffic routes should be cleaned weekly. Removal of waste should be carried out as necessary by an effective method and waste should be stored in suitable containers whilst awaiting collection.

Conditions of Floors and Traffic Routes (Regulations 12 and 17)

Floors and traffic routes have to cater for access and egress and movement of persons about the premises, either as pedestrians or in vehicles arriving at or leaving the site. Holes and defects to roadways, paths, floors and floor coverings should be identified and repaired promptly, particularly those on staircases. Where immediate repairs cannot be affected it may be necessary to prevent people passing through the area or to post appropriate warnings.

Falls and Falling Objects (Regulation 13)

The aim is to prevent people from falling from edges and to prevent objects from falling onto people. A variety of issues need consideration, including the provision of fencing or covers, fixed ladders, roofwork, etc. Secure fencing will always be required where someone could fall a significant distance, but a risk of falls from lesser heights also needs to be considered.

Windows and Transparent or Translucent Doors, Gates and Walls (Regulation 14)
Windows and transparent or translucent surfaces in walls, partitions, doors and gates in certain locations may pose a risk of injury. Where necessary for reasons of health and safety, vulnerable areas need to be identified and unless made up of safety material, protected by other means against breakage. Transparent or translucent areas may also need to be marked or incorporate features to make them apparent.

Any door or gate which can be pushed open from either side should be provided with a viewing panel to allow a clear view of the area close to both sides.

Windows, Skylights and Ventilators and Ability to Clean Windows (Regulations 15 and 16)
Windows, skylights and ventilators which are provided for the purpose of ventilation need to be capable of opening, closing or adjustment without risk to health and safety. Additional controls or devices may be necessary to protect against falls from height through or out of open windows. Arrangements should be made to ensure that window cleaning can be carried out safely.

Doors and Gates (Regulation 18)

Doors should be designed so that they can be easily opened. Power-operated doors and gates should have safety features to prevent people being struck or trapped and where necessary, should have a readily identifiable and accessible control switch or device so that it can be stopped quickly in an emergency. Upward opening doors
or gates need to be fitted with an effective device to prevent them falling back.

Electrical Safety

Electrical equipment should be designed and installed to a suitable standard e.g. BS7671 Requirements for electrical installations and maintained in a safe condition. All persons carrying out work on electrical systems should be confirmed as competent to do so.

Passenger Lifts

Lifts should be constructed to a suitable standard. The lift should be thoroughly examined every 6 months by a competent person. Lifts should be adequately maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

Gas Safety

All boilers and central heating systems should be installed and serviced regularly under contract by competent persons only. Such work on gas fired boilers should only be done by businesses which are members of the Accrediting Body for Installers, currently Gas Safe.

Asbestos

Owners have a duty to manage the risk from asbestos containing materials, by identifying the amount, location and condition; keeping records, checking its condition and assessing the risk.

Putting a management plan into action and providing information to anyone who is likely to work on or disturb it.

Fire Safety

A special fire risk assessment should be completed for the common parts of the premises to which occupiers, visitors, contractors and others are allowed access. Individual occupiers will have similar duties within their own areas other than single domestic residences

Legionnaires Disease

Those with responsibilities for water systems in premises are responsible for ensuring the risk of exposure to legionella infection is assessed and that appropriate control measures are introduced.

Outdoor Safety

Steps and paths should be kept in good condition and free from obstructions which may lead to tripping hazards e.g. refuse and gardening equipment. Steps should have a suitable handrail. Steps and paths which are used in the hours of darkness should be provided with outdoor lighting. It is important to consider the dangers posed by snow and ice in the winter and to take reasonably practicable measures to remove accumulations of snow and prevent ice forming. Checks should be made to ensure any water features do not pose a significant risk to health and safety. Property owners may also need to consider the risk management of trees, including risk assessments and where appropriate routine checks by a competent person.

Contractors

All contractors hired to work on premises have their own duties to comply with health and safety legislation. However, they may need to be given information about the premises to ensure their health and safety. Enquiries should be made about the contractors own procedures so that they will not endanger themselves or other persons.

Security

Consideration should be given to preventing access by unauthorised persons to the premises, either by some means of access control or by manning arrangements

Key Action Steps

·         Arrange for a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the premises and activities undertaken there

·         Establish safe systems of work based on the findings of risk assessments

·         Carry out regular housekeeping inspections

·         Implement a planned preventive maintenance programme

·         Operate a structured approach to the selection and monitoring of contractors for both routine and occasional work

·         Keep records of action taken

References

·         Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations, 1992 - Approved Code of Practice and Guidance L24, available from HSE Books 01787 881165.

·         Electrical Safety and You INDG 231 HSE Books 1996.

·         Thorough Examination and Testing of Lifts Simple Guidance for Lift Owners INDG 339 HSE Books 2001.

·         Landlords: A Guide to Landlords Duties Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 2009 INDG 285 HSE Books 1999.

·         A short guide to managing asbestos in premises 2002 INDG 223 HSE Books.

·         Legionnaires disease - Essential information for providers of residential accommodation INDG376 HSE Books 2003

·         Guidance on fire risk assessment is available at www.communities.gov.uk/fire/firesafety/ firesafetylaw/

·         Guidance Note 7 - Tree Surveys: A Guide to Good Practice from the Arboricultural Association www.trees.org.uk

·         Hazards from Trees - Forestry Commission