Customer Injury & Public Liability Risks

Protect against injury claims and third-party liability arising from painting and decorating work

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Managing Customer Injury Risks as a Painter & Decorator

Painting and decorating work often takes place in occupied homes, commercial premises and shared spaces. This exposes painters and decorators to a high risk of customer injury claims - even when work is carried out carefully and professionally.

Slips on wet floors, trips over tools, falling ladders, or accidental contact with equipment can all result in serious injury claims. Public liability insurance is designed to protect you financially if a customer, visitor or member of the public is injured as a result of your work.

Common Customer Injury Risks for Painters & Decorators

Slips, Trips & Falls


Wet paint, dust sheets, trailing cables and floor coverings can easily create trip hazards, particularly in domestic environments.

  • Slipping on wet or freshly painted floors
  • Trips over dust sheets and tools
  • Falls on staircases or uneven surfaces

Falling Objects & Equipment


Ladders, paint tins, rollers and tools can fall or be knocked over, causing injury to clients, residents or visitors.

  • Paint tins falling from height
  • Ladders or access equipment tipping
  • Tools left unsecured on site

Chemical & Paint Exposure


Fumes, solvents and specialist coatings can cause respiratory issues, skin reactions or eye injuries if customers are exposed.

  • Fumes in poorly ventilated areas
  • Skin contact with chemicals
  • Eye injuries from splashes

Damage Leading to Injury


Property damage can indirectly cause injury, such as loose fixtures, damaged flooring or broken fittings.

  • Loose handrails or fittings
  • Damaged flooring creating hazards
  • Glass or fixture breakages
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Why Public Liability Insurance Is Essential

Customer injury claims can be costly, time-consuming and stressful. Even minor injuries can result in compensation claims running into thousands of pounds.

  • Legal defence costs are covered
  • Compensation payments to injured parties
  • Protection against false or exaggerated claims
  • Required by many clients and contractors

Examples of Customer Injury Claims

  • Client slipped on wet paint and fractured a wrist
  • Visitor tripped over dust sheets and injured their knee
  • Paint fumes caused respiratory distress
  • Falling ladder injured a household member

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+- What is customer injury cover?

Customer injury cover is provided through public liability insurance and protects you if a third party is injured due to your work.

+- Does public liability cover injuries in customers’ homes?

Yes. Public liability insurance covers injuries occurring in domestic properties, provided they arise from your business activities.

+- How much public liability cover should painters have?

Most painters and decorators choose between £1 million and £5 million of public liability cover, depending on client requirements.

+- Are accidents caused by negligence covered?

Yes. Public liability insurance is designed to cover accidental negligence, provided work was not intentionally unsafe.

+- Does public liability include legal defence costs?

Yes. Legal defence costs are typically included as part of public liability insurance cover.

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