What are the key risks in the manufacturing sector?
Manufacturing is a diverse industry, and one that is changing at a rapid pace thanks to the effects of technology and globalisation. The risks manufacturers face are complex, and could range from lost production time due to a mechanical outage, fire or supply chain failure, to a product recall due to a defect. In many cases, they will also be specific to what your business manufactures.
Workers’ compensation is also a major risk for manufacturing businesses and cyber insurance is growing in importance as hackers pose a risk to both the smooth functioning of your systems and machinery as well as your confidential business data.
Who should consider insurance?
Insurance for manufacturers covers different manufacturing methods and
product types including food, pharmaceutical, clothing, automotive, chemical, electrical, industrial and machinery, and many others. Insurance can protect you and your employees onsite, on the way to work and at work. Having the right cover is essential to help protect your business, your staff and your trading partners.
“Australia’s manufacturing industry contributes around $100 billion to Australian GDP annually and employs around 900,000 people.”
Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2020.
Did you know?
The manufacturing industry has the highest number of workers’ insurance claims when compared to other industries.
(icare, NSW workers insurance claims 2017- 18)
Recall
Automotive and industrial manufacturers are subject to the highest volume of product recall insurance claims, followed by food and beverage manufacturers and retail goods manufacturers.
(Statistica, Share of product recall insurance claims from selected industries worldwide – 2017)
Intellectual property theft, interruption of operations and direct theft of funds are three of the biggest cyber risks facing manufacturers.
(RSM, Cybersecurity risk in manufacturing: The risk is real and increasing, 2019)
What insurance should you take out – and what can it cover?
Type of cover
Business pack or Industrial Special Risks
Potential benefits
- damage caused by fire, storm or accidental damage
- equipment or machinery breakdown
- business interruption
- employee dishonesty
- property or glass damage
- legal issues, such as with public and products liability
- tax audit
- theft, and theft or loss of money
Public and product liability
Product recall
Cyber
Motor insurance
- if you or your staff damage another person’s vehicle
- repair your vehicle after an accident or replace it if it’s written off
- replace a lost or stolen vehicle
- safeguard you against legal liability.
Management liability
Workers’ Compensation
Limits, excesses and exclusions
Policy exclusions, the excesses you need to pay and limits of liability canvary greatly depending on your insurer and the requirements of your business
Case Study
Susan runs a manufacturing business making cookies, which she supplies to a major airline group. On a flight one day, plastic fragments were discovered in one of her cookies, sparking a recall and product liability lawsuit, and attracting negative publicity. As Susan had both product liability and product recall insurance, the costs associated with the recall and lawsuit were covered, as was the cost of restoring the reputation of her brand following the incident.
Some of our Insurers
