A tower climber’s job is among the most dangerous jobs in the world. These workers scale 100-foot towers and replace antennas. There are plenty of risks to be aware of, such as falls, equipment failures, and third-party liability. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself.
Avoiding the need to use insurance in telecom
The first step is to get a quality harness. Ideally, you want a full-body harness. This allows you to be anchored securely, but also to be able to yank yourself out if necessary. You should also wear safety glasses, helmets, and tool belts. However, these items may not be enough. If you are going to be climbing, make sure you have a qualified person with you. Also, you should have at least two attachment points in place, one for each leg, and a means of communicating with your team during the climb.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has established fall protection guidelines for tower construction and maintenance. Similarly, the telecommunications industry has specific standards for concrete bases and plumbs. Despite the safety measures you take, accidents can still occur.
Another thing to look out for is the weather. Winter is a time when many hazards are more common, such as hypothermia, frostbite, hazardous road conditions, and slips and falls. All of these hazards can increase your risk of injury.
Taking the time to follow some simple safety measures will go a long way toward keeping your employees safe. For example, make sure you have an OSHA-approved safety plan, and require that your employees follow it.
Insurance for telecom companies
Tower climber insurance is another step you can take to safeguard yourself and your employees. Typically, it pays for half of the average worker’s hourly wage. While this coverage is not an absolute guarantee, it can save you from catastrophic losses. Insurance companies will often audit your policy each year to see if you have done anything to mitigate the risk of injury.
You can also get a general liability policy to cover accidental property damage. However, while this might be the best you can do, it does not provide the same reassurance that your employees will receive compensation for any injuries they might incur.
A cell tower climber’s job is a dangerous one. Increasing pressure from employers and cell operators has led to a spike in cell tower accidents and fatalities. Thankfully, more and more carriers are taking the necessary steps to protect their customers. They are introducing new products and tightening up their underwriting guidelines. As a result, more affordable options for tower climbing insurance are becoming available.
Regardless of whether you are working in the telecommunications industry or any other field, a quality workman’s comp policy is a wise investment. It will pay for the medical expenses of an injured employee and the loss of his or her wages while recovering from the accident. Additionally, your family may also receive benefits, such as a burial allowance and a percentage of the tower climber’s salary.