There are many different aspects of the construction industry. Some businesses are generalists and focus primarily on new home construction. Other businesses focus primarily on remodeling of existing structures. Still other businesses focus on a specific niche within the construction industry. Some examples of these niche companies include: framers, roofing companies, floor installation, and even trim carpenters. Trim carpenters are one area of the construction industry that have a unique risk associated with the work they do. Here is a description of exactly what a trim carpenter does and what they need to be concerned with when it comes to dealing with the workers compensation system.
What Trim Carpenters Do
Trim Carpenters perform construction work only on the interior of a property. This may include cabinet installation, interior trim, remodeling, repair, finishing or refinishing. Contractors and Remodelers perform both interior and exterior work. Exterior carpentry includes framing work, such as structural support for a new building or residence. Normally, Interior Carpentry consists both rough and finish work. Rough work involves framing windows and doors, laying floor joists and sub-floors, stairways and more. Finish carpentry work examples include: hanging doors, installing baseboards and molding around doors and windows, making or installing cabinets as well as shelving or other custom built-ins.
Workers Compensation Concerns for Trim Carpenters
The liability a Trim Carpenter faces related to Workers Compensation varies based on the size and nature of the job. The physical nature of the job for trim carpenters creates elevated levels of injuries. Hand tools and sharp objects such as saws, chisels and nails are common to all types of carpentry. These tools can cause an excessive amount of cuts, piercings and accidental amputation. Hernias, strains, sprains, and back injuries related to lifting occur more frequently then other industries. When an adequate focus on safety is present can limit the frequency and severity of injuries that occur. When work is done at height, additional risks are present. There is a potential for more severe injuries and even death when work is done on ladders and scaffolds at height. Maintenance of ladders and scaffolds is crucial in order to limit injuries to employees who do work at heights. The use of proper safety equipment should be a part of any company culture no matter if the business is a one man operation or includes dozens of employees.
Additional recommended coverages for Trim Carpenters:
- General Liability Insurance
- Inland Marine Insurance
- Commercial Auto (and Hired and Non-Owned)
- Business Personal Property
- Employee Dishonesty
- Inland Marine
- Umbrella Liability Coverage
- Business Income with Extra Expense
Common Workers Compensation Class Codes:
- 5437: Carpentry—Cabinets and Interior Trim
- 5403: Carpenters—Not Classified Elsewhere
- 2802: Carpentry—Shop Only
- 5432: California Class—Carpentry
- 5645: Carpentry—Residential Construction