HVAC

Keeping Oklahoma Running at Peak Performance

Insurance for HVAC

CompSource Mutual has been covering Oklahoma workers for more than 85 years. As a result, we have developed specific expertise in the HVAC industry and know its associated risks.

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Interested to learn more? Read on to get answers to common questions and concerns about workers’ comp in the HVAC industry.

What HVAC technicians do

The expertise that HVAC technicians offer is critical for maintaining the heating and cooling systems found in most homes and buildings. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, cooling, and air conditioning. (Sometimes the acronym “HVACR,” is also used which includes the “r” for refrigeration.) HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, cleaning, and maintaining these systems, and hooking up the electrical wiring. Without heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, our buildings would, at best, be uncomfortable environments. At worst, they could harbor mold or bacteria, and lead to illnesses. With more people spending time inside than ever, the expertise of HVAC technicians has become a critical need.

HVAC technicians work everywhere: in homes, office buildings, factories, schools, and many other locations. Each type of building can have a unique HVAC system, ranging from small residential units to massive, industrial-scale systems. HVAC units have become increasingly complex; modern units can include complicated electrical wiring and sensors. Today, as a prerequisite for licensure, HVAC technicians are usually required to have a postsecondary degree or apprenticeship before they can begin working full-time.

HVAC companies usually carry different types of insurance for HVAC technicians, including workers’ insurance, liability insurance, and equipment insurance. This ensures that the company, workers, and customers are all protected at every level of business.

Insurance for HVAC technicians

Most HVAC technicians (66%) work as employees of plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning contracting companies. Nearly only 10% are self-employed. These employment classifications have an important impact on insurance for HVAC workers. HVAC technicians who are self-employed must carry their own insurance, including health insurance and liability insurance. HVAC technicians who are employed by a company should have access to the company’s insurance policies, including HVAC workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp insurance for HVAC technicians is particularly important, as HVAC installation and maintenance work has inherent risks. Workers’ comp insurance for HVAC technicians can cover medical bills and expenses, as well as missed wages, when an HVAC technician is injured on the job.

HVAC companies that carry workers’ comp insurance for HVAC technicians are required to participate in audits of their workers’ comp policies. These workers’ comp audits are designed to identify differences between the estimated risk level and the actual risk level. If the actual risk level was higher than expected, the company’s workers’ comp payments, or premiums, will increase. This is why it is important to maintain strict safety protocols – for employee safety and to lower premium payments.

Workplace safety and risks for HVAC technicians

HVAC systems are complex and can involve many different components. Some of these components can be potentially hazardous, including:

  • Sharp moving parts, like fan blades
  • High-voltage electricity
  • Caustic chemicals, like Freon
  • Pressurized gases
 

There are also additional risks for HVAC technicians while on the job.

Known risks in HVAC:
  • Falls from ladders
  • Exposure hazards
  • Material handling injuries
  • Motor vehicle accidents

HVAC technicians are often exposed to environmental risks. For example, due to the on-site nature of their jobs, HVAC technicians can work in very hot or very cold environments; remain in cramped positions for long periods; work at great heights or on top of unsecured locations; use vibrating power tools, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome; and work in poorly-ventilated areas, such as crawlspaces, that can cause exposure to mold, insulation dust, or even asbestos. They may also be required to lift heavy objects, leading to repetitive stress injuries or wrist or back strain.

HVAC technicians should take every safety precaution when on the job. Safety protocols can include:

  • Wearing thick gloves to prevent caustic chemical burns
  • Wearing safety goggles to protect the eyes from flying debris
  • Double-checking that power is off to the unit they are working on
  • Using rubber insulating mats to prevent electrocution
  • Wearing steel-toed boots
  • Using earplugs to prevent hearing damage from loud tools
 

HVAC technicians should take workplace safety very seriously. In the event that an HVAC worker is injured on the job, they should make sure to submit an injury compensation claim through their employer. Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for most businesses in America. This requirement is frequently in place for insurance for HVAC companies as well.

Why CompSource Mutual

As Oklahoma’s number one provider of workers’ compensation insurance, CompSource Mutual offers policyholders free safety information to take workplace injury prevention to the next level. Check out our safety guidelines, videos, and checklists for some valuable tips on maintaining a safer and healthier workplace.

Visit our Safety Training page to learn more.

Across all industry types, the most commonly reported workplace injuries are sprains, strains, or tears.

One type of workers’ comp claim is for medical treatment only. This means that the claim pertains to financial compensation for medical bills directly related to the injury or illness. This type of claim could be made if the employee sustains a minor injury, such a cut or scrape, but does not need to miss any workdays.

Another type of claim is for medical treatment with lost time from work. This means that the employee had to miss work due to the injury or illness, and needs to be compensated both for medical bills and those lost wages.

The third type of claim is the most complex: medical treatment for an injury or illness that prevents the employee from returning to their pre-injury job. This type of claim, workers’ comp disability, has many different levels, ranging from temporary partial disability to permanent total disability.

Workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for most employers. It is also a useful tool to prevent employee turnover, increase employee morale, and can help to ensure that you have a healthy and safe workforce. Workers’ compensation insurance is also a “no-fault” insurance type, meaning that claims are paid out to employees regardless of who is at fault (the employee or the company). This can help to prevent complicated legal situations and allow employees to get the medical attention they need, without the need to resolve the issue with a lawsuit.

Meet our Safety Team Image

Meet Our Safety Team

Are you committed to making your workplace safer? We’re here to make it easy for you. CompSource Mutual policyholders can get advice from our safety consultants and access personalized resources – it’s all absolutely free.

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PAT SMITH
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK

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