Top 10 Common Claims in Scaffolding and How Proper Scaffolding Insurance Can Protect Your Business

Why Scaffolding Claims Are Rising in Australia

Every scaffolding business knows one truth: working at height comes with high stakes. Whether you're erecting frames for a Sydney apartment block, maintaining a Brisbane industrial site, or handling complex builds across regional Australia, a single incident can lead to significant financial and legal consequences.

That's where understanding the Top 10 Common Claims in Scaffolding and How Proper Scaffolding Insurance Can Protect Your Business becomes critical. From falls and collapses to property damage and injury, the risks are real — and they're increasing as job sites grow busier and safety regulations tighten under SafeWork NSW and other state authorities.

In this guide, we'll break down the most frequent scaffolding-related insurance claims in Australia, explore what causes them, and show how the right insurance strategy protects your business — legally, financially, and operationally.

Understanding the Risks Behind Every Scaffolding Project

Scaffolding is one of the most safety-regulated sectors in Australia. The combination of height, heavy materials, changing weather, and constant site movement means risk is always present.

SafeWork NSW classifies scaffolding as "high-risk construction work," requiring licensed scaffolders, engineered plans, inspections, and compliance with the Scaffolding Code of Practice. But even with strong procedures, things can go wrong.

As insurers like Traderisk, HMDI, Trident, Priority IB, and BGES Group highlight, scaffolding businesses face three main exposure areas:

1.    Physical injury risks: Falls, slips, and struck-by incidents.

2.    Property and third-party damage: Tools or frames hitting vehicles, buildings, or the public.

3.    Financial and legal risks: Negligence claims, defective work, or breach of contract.

Without proper coverage, a single claim could easily exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars — even more if multiple trades or subcontractors are involved.

The Top 10 Common Claims in Scaffolding

Drawing from the data and insights shared by leading Australian insurers and SafeWork NSW, these are the ten most frequent and costly claims affecting scaffolders nationwide.

1. Falls from Height
It's no surprise that falls top the list. Scaffolders work at elevated positions daily, and even with guardrails and harnesses, human error and structural failure can lead to severe injury or death.

Public Liability and Workers Compensation claims from falls are among the most expensive. Proper scaffolding insurance ensures medical costs, lost wages, and legal fees are covered — and that your business can continue operating.

2. Falling Tools or Materials
A dropped spanner or plank can seriously harm those below. These claims often arise when scaffolds are erected near pedestrian areas or other trades.

A solid Public Liability Insurance policy will protect you against third-party injury or property damage if something falls from your worksite.

3. Scaffold Collapse or Structural Failure
Collapses can stem from overloaded platforms, poor ground conditions, or weather impacts like high winds. SafeWork NSW requires regular inspection and load rating compliance, yet collapse remains a top cause of claims.

Contract Works and Public Liability Insurance respond to these incidents, covering repairs, damage, and liability to others.

4. Property Damage to Client or Third Party
Scaffolding can unintentionally damage cladding, glazing, roofs, or neighbouring property. Even minor scratches or broken panels can lead to expensive claims from builders or owners.

Having Public Liability Insurance tailored for scaffolding ensures your insurer responds promptly to these property damage events, saving you money and reputation.

5. Injury to Workers or Subcontractors
Injuries often occur during erection or dismantling — the two riskiest stages of any job. These can involve cuts, strains, or severe falls.

Workers' Compensation and Subcontractor Liability Cover (where arranged correctly) provide vital protection. Brokers like HMDI and Priority IB stress verifying your subcontractor arrangements to ensure they're covered under your policy.

6. Damage During Erection or Dismantling
Incorrect assembly or rushed dismantling can lead to bent frames, cracked planks, or client property damage. These are common but preventable claims.

Tools, Equipment, and Contract Works Insurance safeguard you against loss or damage during these operations, ensuring your investment in materials and machinery remains protected.

7. Weather-Related Damage or Delays
Australia's unpredictable weather — from sudden storms in Queensland to strong coastal winds in NSW — can damage scaffolds or delay projects.

While not all policies include weather coverage, comprehensive Contract Works Insurance can help recover costs from accidental weather damage or loss of materials.

8. Equipment Theft or Vandalism
Scaffolding materials and tools left unsecured on-site are frequent targets for theft. Replacing them can be expensive and delay work schedules.

Tools & Equipment Insurance — highlighted by Traderisk and BGES Group — covers theft, vandalism, and accidental damage, even from locked vehicles or temporary storage areas.

9. Defective Workmanship or Installation
If a scaffold isn't correctly installed or fails to meet safety requirements, you could face costly rework or legal disputes.

This is where Professional Indemnity (for design or engineering oversight) and Public Liability Insurance (for resulting injury/damage) intersect. Insurers like HMDI and Priority IB recommend constantly checking your coverage for "errors and omissions" in design or erection.

10. Contractual Liability or Legal Disputes
Disagreements between scaffolders, builders, and head contractors are increasingly common — particularly when contracts include "hold harmless" or "indemnity" clauses.

Proper scaffolding insurance with legal liability extensions, plus broker guidance, ensures you're not unfairly exposed to contractual risks beyond your control.

How Proper Scaffolding Insurance Protects You Against Each Claim

Insurance isn't just paperwork — it's a lifeline when something goes wrong. Based on the cover types promoted by leading Australian underwriters:

1.    Public Liability Insurance protects you if your scaffolding work causes injury or property damage to others — it is a must for all scaffolders.

2.    Professional Indemnity Insurance: Covers negligence or faulty design claims when engineering input is involved.

3.    Tools and Equipment Insurance: Safeguards your investment in tools, frames, and fittings from theft, vandalism, or accidental damage.

4.    Contract Works / Construction Insurance: Protects materials and scaffolds on site against accidental loss, damage, or collapse.

5.    Workers' Compensation: Mandatory for employees and critical to cover medical and wage costs after injury.

Together, these create a comprehensive scaffolding insurance solution that mirrors your risk exposure, protecting your cash flow, clients, and crew.

The Real Cost of Being Underinsured
Too many scaffolding businesses learn the hard way that basic cover isn't enough.

Trident Insurance notes that inadequate policies often exclude collapse, weather impact, or subcontractor liability, leading to unpaid claims and devastating losses.

Imagine facing a $400,000 injury claim without full public liability coverage or losing $100,000 in scaffolding equipment without theft protection. These events can cripple even well-established operations.

That's why every expert source — from Priority IB to BGES Group — stresses reviewing limits, exclusions, and endorsements carefully.

Why Australian Scaffolding Businesses Need Tailored Cover
Generic trade insurance is not enough for scaffolders. You need a policy that reflects your actual risk profile.

Australian brokers like HMDI, Priority IB, and Traderisk specialise in scaffolding because they understand your licensing requirements, height exposures, and contract conditions.

A tailored scaffolding insurance policy typically considers:

1.    Project size, type, and structure height

2.    Use of subcontractors or labour hire

3.    Material storage and transport risks

4.    Contractual obligations and principal-contractor clauses

Choosing an insurance partner that genuinely understands scaffolding ensures your business remains compliant, covered, and confident on every site.

Building a Culture of Safety and Compliance
Insurance is your safety net — but compliance is your first defence.

SafeWork NSW reminds scaffolders that all four-metre scaffolding requires a High Risk Work Licence (SB, SI, or SA) and adherence to inspection, maintenance, and SWMS procedures.

Maintaining logbooks, tie plans, and handover certificates keeps you compliant. It strengthens your position if you ever need to make a claim.

The safest and most insurable scaffolding businesses integrate insurance and compliance into every part of their operations.

How to Choose the Right Scaffolding Insurance Policy

When selecting cover, follow these industry-backed steps recommended by Australian insurers and brokers:

1.    Work with a Specialist Broker: Choose one who understands scaffolding's unique risks.

2.    Review Inclusions Carefully: Ensure your policy covers collapse, dismantling, subcontractors, and weather.

3.    Check Your Limits: Ensure they align with your contractual obligations (e.g., $20 million Public Liability).

4.    Assess Subcontractor Arrangements: Confirm who's insured under your policy.

5.    Ask About Additional Covers: Equipment Breakdown, Statutory Liability, and Management Liability can provide broader protection.

When in doubt, get a professional review — it's far cheaper than facing a denied claim.

Conclusion — Strengthen Your Scaffolding Business with the Right Protection

The scaffolding industry is essential to Australia's construction sector — but it's also one of the most exposed.

Understanding the Top 10 Common Claims in Scaffolding and How Proper Scaffolding Insurance Can Protect Your Business isn't just about ticking a box. It's about safeguarding your team, your clients, and your livelihood.

With the right combination of safety, compliance, and insurance, you can operate confidently knowing your business is protected from every angle — no matter what's thrown your way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What's the most common claim in scaffolding insurance?

Falls from height remain the most frequent and severe claim type across Australia, often involving serious injury or third-party damage.

2. Does Public Liability Insurance cover scaffold collapse?

Yes — provided collapse or failure isn't excluded under your policy. Always check your insurer's definitions and endorsements.

3. Is scaffolding insurance mandatory in Australia?

Public Liability and Workers' Compensation are generally required for operating legally and safely. Other covers, like Contract Works and Tools, are strongly recommended.

4. Do I need insurance if I subcontract scaffolding work?

Yes. Even if subcontractors have their own cover, you can still be liable under your principal contract. Verify all certificates of currency.

5. How can I get a quote for scaffolding insurance in Australia?

Contact us, We specialize in scaffolding — to arrange a tailored policy based on your business operations, height class, and project scope.

✅ Protect your business before the next job starts. Get a free quote today from Australia's dedicated scaffolding insurance specialists.

✅ Share this guide with your crew or contractor network — it could save someone thousands in claims and downtime.