Category: Service

NAICS CODE: 541330 Engineering Services

Property exposure is primarily that of an office. Ignition sources include wiring, wear, and overheating of equipment. There may be considerable storage of customers’ records, which significantly adds to a fire load. Storage should be in fireproof file cabinets, and fire suppression systems must not damage the papers.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty. Ordering, billing and disbursement duties must be separated and regular audits performed. Employee dishonesty issues may arise when an employee is on a client’s premises. Background checks should be conducted before permitting any employee to visit clients.

Inland marine exposures include accounts receivable, computers, goods in transit, mobile equipment, and valuable papers and records. Equipment includes farming equipment such as harvesters. Records include purchases, inventory, quality control, and sales information. The goods in transit exposure is significant as there is no salvage in the event of an accident.

Occupiers’ Liability exposure is limited to occasional customer visits. Areas accessible to the public must be free of obstacles with floor coverings in good condition. Off-site exposures consist of visits to customers’ premises and to job sites. There should be procedures in place for enforcement of rules regarding off-site conduct by employees.

Professional liability exposure is extensive due to the catastrophic potential for injury and death due to an error in design that results in structural failure, such as the collapse of an interstate bridge or high rise. All design specifications must be followed and inspections regularly conducted. Documentation must be clear, with changes marked and authorizations signed by both the engineer and the customer. Customers can suffer financial loss due to construction delays and cost overruns.

Automobile exposure comes from the vehicles used to travel to visit customers and to job sites. Generally the vehicles are private passenger types or pickups. Age, training, and records of drivers must be reviewed, along with age, condition, and maintenance of vehicles. If vehicles are supplied to employees, there should be clear guidelines regarding personal and permitted use of the vehicle.

Workers compensation exposure is from office operations and off-site visits to customers’ premises. The office exposure consists of repetitive motion injuries that can be reduced with ergonomically designed workstations. Off-site exposures may include working at construction sites, at heights, on rough terrain, or in isolated areas. Employees should have appropriate safety gear when visiting a job site.