Premises liability exposures at the contractor's office are generally limited due to lack of public access. Off-site exposures include damage to the clients' other property by the contractor's employees, bodily injury to members of the household, the public or employees of other contractors. Tools, power cords, plastering materials and scrap all pose trip hazards even when not in use. If there is work at heights, falling tools or supplies may cause damage and injury if dropped from ladders and scaffolding. Contractors can damage customers' premises removing old ceiling and wall coverings.
Completed operations liability exposures depend on the type of plastering being done. If the plastering is for waterproofing or fireproofing, faulty installation can result in significant property damage, and in the case of fireproofing, loss of life. A growing concern is the installation of exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS). This refers to a synthetic stucco with insulating properties that has recently been blamed for causing moisture and termite problems affecting the structural integrity of a residence. It is not clear whether the manufacturer or the installer has the greater liability.
Environmental impairment liability exposures arise from the removal, transport, and disposal of waste and old debris that has been removed from the job site. As some of these older materials may include lead-based paints or asbestos, proper disposal procedures must be in place. Transportation and disposal procedures must adhere to all EPA and other regulatory standards. Training and supervision of employees is critical.
Workers compensation exposure varies based on the size and nature of the job. When work is done on ladders and scaffolds, there is a potential for severe injury or death from falling or being struck by falling objects, or from severe weather during exterior operations. Drywall installation may involve the use of low stilts in the mudding and taping phases.
Back injuries, hernias, sprains and strains can result from lifting or plastering in awkward positions. Repetitive motion injuries may occur. Drywall and wallboard need to be cut to size, which can result in cuts and piercings. Dust cutting, trimming, and mixing operations can irritate eyes and lungs.
Property exposures are usually limited to an office and storage for supplies, tools and vehicles. Most supplies are not flammable or combustible, nor are they normally considered target theft items.
Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty. Background checks, including criminal history, should be performed on all employees providing services to customers or handling money. All ordering, billing and disbursement should be handled as separate duties with reconciliations occurring regularly.
Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable if the plasterer offers credit to customers, contractors' equipment and tools, goods in transit, installation floater, and valuable papers and records for customers' and suppliers' information. Equipment may be limited to trowels, spray guns, and other hand tools, or there may be ladders, scaffolding, and similar equipment.
The contractor may rent, lease or borrow equipment for unusual jobs or own special equipment that is leased, rented or loaned to others when not in use. The materials awaiting installation are subject to loss or damage by moisture, by employees of other contractors, vandalism, and theft.
Commercial auto exposures include the transportation of workers, equipment, and materials to and from job sites. MVRs must be run on a regular basis. Random drug and alcohol testing should be conducted. Vehicles must be well maintained with records kept in a central location.