Hazardous works are specific types of construction activity that, for some insurers, are considered too risky to insure under standard terms. By applying exclusions, the insurance policy may not provide cover for projects incorporating, or claims arising from, these activities, even when forming a minor portion of the overall works. The exclusions vary between insurers but might typically include:

• the construction, alteration, or repair of towers, steeples, chimney shafts, blast furnaces, viaducts, bridges, docks, jetties, harbours, tunnels, dams or reservoirs
• quarrying or work in mines
• piling work
• water diversion
• the use of explosives or any form of mechanical demolition
• working below a depth limit shown in the policy
• working above a height limit shown in the policy
• work on or in railways, tramways, airports, aerodromes or any airbase.

Preparation is key

For project owners and contractors, it's important to review your portfolio at each renewal, and where appropriate at each tender, to ensure works undertaken are not inadvertently excluded. Such exclusions can be negotiated and amended based on the insurer's willingness to take on additional risk, possibly at a higher premium or varied terms.

Here to help

To help our clients avoid these pitfalls, Miller rarely uses insurer’s own wordings, choosing instead to opt for a broader form of cover written by our own wording specialists.

To find out more about the difference Miller can make for you, please get in touch.