Recycling businesses face particular risks, and you need to make sure you are adequately prepared for these – and insured – in order to safeguard your business and your staff. The most prevalent risk for any recycling business is, of course, fire, but there are other dangers, like under-trained staff members putting themselves in harm’s way whilst dealing with materials, or inadequate administrative procedures causing a business to fall short of regulations,  

Here are three common risks:

Material

Most waste is highly flammable: cardboard, paper, materials, and plastics. How they are stored on your site is vital. 

Machinery and its operation is also a risk: shredders, crushers and the like all need to be operated to strict and safe guidelines.

Site premises that may have been formerly used for other operations may be an issue, especially when considering fire, and must be assessed for suitability and safety. 

Physical

Again, use of machinery needs to be closely regulated and staff adequately trained in all operation, to avoid accident or injury. 

Financial

A fire, particularly if it spreads to neighbouring premises, can be both devastating and costly to buildings, material, and the environment, of course. Clean-up operations including disinfecting can also be prohibitively expensive. Following such an incident, licenses may be revoked, resulting in a loss of income before operations can be resumed. 

Need help in adequately insuring your waste management business? The team at Metal Protect are experts in assessing all risk considerations and can assist you with any query. Give us a call today!