Why Every Welder Needs Public Liability Insurance: Protect Your Business, Your Clients, and Your Future

Welding is a highly skilled trade that comes with equally high risks. Whether you’re fabricating structures, repairing machinery, or working on specialised industrial sites like rail corridors or mining operations, accidents can happen—even to the most experienced welder.

One of the most crucial protections a welder can have is Public Liability Insurance. In fact, many government projects, commercial sites, body corporates, and principal contractors won’t even allow welders onsite without it.

We'll break down why Public Liability Insurance is essential, what it covers, how exclusions apply specifically to welders, and how Grid Insurance can help you secure tailored protection for your welding business.

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Understanding Public Liability Insurance for Welders

Public Liability Insurance protects welders against financial loss if their work causes:

• Injury to another person
• Damage to property
• Damage caused by products you have supplied or installed
• Legal expenses associated with a covered claim

From the policy documents provided, a standard welding business typically receives:

• Up to $20,000,000 Public Liability cover
• Up to $20,000,000 Products Liability cover
• Cover for legal defence costs
• Cover for rail corridor work (when supervised appropriately)
• Excesses that apply differently depending on the nature of the claim

This level of cover is often required for welders working in industries such as mining, rail, construction, maintenance, and government infrastructure.

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Why Public Liability Insurance is Essential for Welders

1. Welding Work Carries Inherent High Risk

Welding involves fire, heat, sparks, gases, heavy equipment, and often hazardous working environments. Even when strict safety standards are followed, incidents can occur—for example:

• A spark unintentionally igniting nearby materials
• Damage to a client’s property while working onsite
• Hot work causing rail infrastructure damage
• Injury to a subcontractor or bystander

These incidents can lead to claims worth tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without insurance, the welder is personally liable.

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2. Many Contracts Require It

Most industrial and commercial jobs—especially those in mining or rail—require welders to provide a Certificate of Currency before work begins. Public Liability Insurance is a mandatory compliance requirement on:

• Rail networks
• Mining sites
• Government contracts
• Large commercial properties

Without proper insurance, you could miss out on lucrative contracts.

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3. Legal Defence Costs Are Covered

Claims don't just involve payouts—they often come with complex legal proceedings. According to the policy wording, legal and investigative costs arising from a covered occurrence are paid in addition to your limit of indemnity. That means even a small incident won’t drain your business financially.

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Key Policy Features That Matter for Welders

Coverage for Welding Activities — With Required Compliance

Policies covering welders typically require compliance with Australian Standard 1674: Safety in Welding and Allied Processes. This protects you as long as welding is performed safely and in accordance with national standards.

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Rail Corridor Work — Specific Conditions Apply

Many welders work near rail lines. The provided policy wording includes a Railway Corridor Exclusion, but with an amended clause stating work is covered if performed under the direction and supervision of the relevant rail authority or its appointed contractor.

This is crucial for welders servicing the mining and rail industries.

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High Limits of Indemnity

Welders working with large machinery, heavy metals, and high-value rail or mining assets need high cover. Many contracts require $20 million, which is commonly included in specialist welding liability policies.

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Product Liability Protection

If a weld fails after installation—causing property damage or injury—you’re protected. This is especially important for welders performing structural work.

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What’s Not Covered? (Key Exclusions Welders Should Know)

Public Liability Insurance does not cover everything. Welders should be aware of certain exclusions such as:

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1. Professional Advice or Design Work

If you provide engineering advice, design welds, or certify structural elements, this typically requires separate Professional Indemnity Insurance.

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2. Bushfire and Hot Work Exclusions (in some endorsements)

Policies often exclude liability relating to bushfire or burning-off activities—important for outdoor rural welding jobs.

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3. Working Without Licences or Required Safety Compliance

If a welder is not licensed or fails to comply with industry standards, claims may be denied.

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How Grid Insurance Helps Welders Get the Right Cover

At Grid Insurance, we specialise in arranging Public Liability Insurance specifically tailored for welders—from small sole traders to large welding contractors.

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What We Offer

1. Specialist Welding Liability Policies

We source policies that include:

• Proper cover for hot works
• Protection for on-site and off-site welding
• Rail-industry compliant cover
• Optional tool and equipment cover
• Coverage for subcontractors

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2. Fast Certificates of Currency

Need proof of insurance for a job? We can provide instant documentation so you’re site-ready.

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3. Competitive Premiums

By working with multiple insurers and underwriting partners, we secure great pricing for:

• MIG, TIG and stick welders
• Mobile welders
• Fabricators
• Rail and mining contractors
• Structural welders

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4. Personalised Advice

We review your business activities and match you with the right policy—so exclusions won’t catch you off guard.

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Protect Your Welding Business with Confidence

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Welding is a specialised trade where the risks are high—and so are the expectations from clients and contractors. Public Liability Insurance is not just a legal or contractual requirement; it’s an essential safeguard that protects your livelihood.

With the right insurance behind you, you can take on bigger, more profitable jobs with confidence.

Grid Insurance is here to help welders secure the right cover—quickly, affordably, and with expert guidance.

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