Home workers could affect insurance cover
It has been revealed by an insurance group that those who work from home could run into problems when it comes to cover.
Home based firms have risen to 28% in the past couple years due to the financial downturn and UK employers trying to cut costs.
However, the firm has urged homeowners to make sure they are adequately covered to run their business from their property.
The organisation is advising companies that by speaking to their local broker and making small reforms to their home insurance policy, then homeowners can rest assured that they are properly covered.
Advisors are encouraging home-based firms to make these changes because working from home can invalidate normal home and content insurance agreements.
Additional cover ensures those working from home are covered for accident claims and mishaps in and around their home during working hours and for damage to equipment or loss of data.
Depending on the type of business being carried out within the home, additional types of insurance may be required, for example if clients are entering the house then public liability insurance may be needed.
Steve Chelton, Insurance Development Manager at the group said: “Working from home is often a cheaper option for many companies, particularly start-up businesses who are keen to avoid hefty office rental costs.
“However, it's vital to inform your insurance provider of any intention to work from home, so they can advise you correctly on what type of insurance you need to ensure you are adequately covered to conduct your business from home.”
Employers warned over training
It similar news, it has emerged that home based employers or bosses from larger companies have been advised over the importance of health and safety and proper training.
Companies across Great Britain have been warned about the importance of ensuring that staff only work in areas where training has been given.
The call comes after a chemicals firm pleaded guilty to a work accident claims and to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. It was fined £13,485 with costs of £8,926.50 this month.
Wirral Magistrates Court heard how a male worker, 39, was unblocking equipment at the site at Wirral International Business Park when a steam-heated substance splashed onto him.
The employee had been hired as a temporary worker at the factory, but had not been given suitable training to carry out the task, the court heard.
Mark Burton, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspector, said that the man “was allowed to work in an area he had not been trained to work in and he should not have been there. He suffered burns as a consequence.”Updated on 4/20/2010