Work at Height Insurance & Safety Risks

Specialist insurance and risk protection for painters and decorators working at height

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Work at Height Insurance for Painters & Decorators

Working at height is one of the most dangerous aspects of painting and decorating. Falls from ladders, scaffolding or access platforms remain a leading cause of serious injury within the construction and trades sector.

Insure24 provides specialist insurance protection for painters and decorators who work at height, ensuring your business is protected if accidents, injuries or third-party claims occur.

Whether you are painting domestic properties, commercial buildings or external facades, working at height introduces additional risks that standard insurance policies may not fully address without the correct disclosures and cover in place.

What Is Considered Work at Height?

Work at height refers to any work where a person could fall from a height and be injured. For painters and decorators, this applies to a wide range of everyday tasks.


  • Working from ladders or step ladders
  • Using scaffolding or tower scaffolds
  • Operating mobile access platforms (MEWPs)
  • Painting stairwells, ceilings or high walls
  • External painting at height

Key Work at Height Risks for Painters & Decorators

Personal Injury Risks


  • Falls from ladders or platforms
  • Loss of balance while carrying equipment
  • Slips caused by paint, dust or wet surfaces
  • Incorrect ladder positioning or failure

Third-Party & Property Risks


  • Tools or materials dropped from height
  • Injury to clients, staff or members of the public
  • Damage to vehicles or surrounding property
  • Claims arising from unsafe working practices

How Work at Height Affects Your Insurance

Insurers treat work at height as a higher-risk activity. Failure to disclose this properly can invalidate cover.


  • Public liability claims involving falls or falling objects
  • Employers’ liability claims for injured workers
  • Higher excesses or exclusions without correct cover
  • Site contracts requiring declared height limits

Work at Height Safety & Compliance

In the UK, painters and decorators must comply with the Work at Height Regulations and take reasonable steps to reduce risk.

Good Practice Includes:


  • Using the correct access equipment
  • Regular inspection of ladders and scaffolds
  • Avoiding overreaching at height
  • Keeping work areas below clear
  • Appropriate training and supervision

Who Needs Work at Height Insurance?


  • Sole trader painters working from ladders
  • Decorators using scaffolding or towers
  • Businesses undertaking external works
  • Contractors working on commercial sites

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

+-Is work at height covered by standard painter insurance?

Work at height is often considered a higher risk and must be disclosed. Cover depends on declared height limits and activities.

+-Is there a maximum height limit?

Yes. Policies usually specify a maximum working height, commonly 5, 10 or 15 metres.

+-Does this apply to domestic work?

Yes. Work at height risks apply to both domestic and commercial painting and decorating jobs.

+-Do I need special training?

While not always mandatory, training and safe working practices can help reduce risk and support claims.

+-Can cover start immediately?

Yes. Cover can usually start immediately once your quote is accepted and payment is confirmed.

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