What are Carpenters covered for?
VIZ covers carpenters for the broad scope of carpentry work reasonably expected of the trade. The Australian Bureau of Statistics OSCA carpenter classification (code 372132) is the reference point for what's clearly within that scope. If an activity is listed under that classification, it sits within your covered business activities.
• Carpenters are covered under OSCA 372132 which includes:
• Interpreting plans, specifications and drawings to determine carpentry materials, dimensions and installation procedures
• Setting out and erecting wall and ceiling frames, constructing eaves, and erecting roof trusses
• Building and installing walls, floor systems, external stairs, panelling and partitions using nails, screws, brackets and other fasteners
• Fitting and installing windows and doors into wall frames, plus the hinges, handles and locks that go with them
• Repairing and renovating timber structures, including pulling out and replacing damaged or rotten timber
• Constructing and installing formwork for concrete structures
OSCA is the guide VIZ uses to identify what's clearly within the scope of the trade. If you are doing work that is reasonably expected of a carpenter, it is also included in the covered business activities, whether or not it appears in the OSCA list.
If your work runs into general maintenance or other work alongside carpentry, you can add more occupations under the same VIZ policy – since VIZ allows more than one occupation on your policy.
Residential and commercial work
Carpenters working on residential builds, renovations and repairs are within the covered business activities - private homes, units and apartments. The same applies whether the carpenter is working directly for a homeowner, subcontracting to a builder, or running their own jobs.
Commercial carpentry work is also within the covered business activities. Office fit-outs, shopfronts, retail precincts and business premises are within scope. Builders and commercial principals often require $10M or $20M public liability cover as a condition of working on site – you can get both limits with a VIZ policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does VIZ only cover simple or small carpentry work?
No. A VIZ policy covers a broad scope of carpentry work that's reasonably expected of the trade. That includes everything in the OSCA carpenter classification - structural framing, roof trusses, flooring systems, formwork, window and door fitting, and timber repair work - applied across simple home jobs, multi-storey residential, and commercial builds. Job size and complexity don't shrink the scope.
Does carpenter insurance cover structural work like framing and roof trusses?
Yes. Wall and ceiling frames, eaves and roof trusses are listed in the OSCA carpenter classification (372132) and sit within the covered business activities. Load-bearing timber work is core carpentry, and the OSCA list anchors it as clearly within scope of a VIZ carpenter policy.
Does carpenter insurance cover formwork?
Yes. Constructing and installing formwork for concrete structures is in the OSCA carpenter list. Carpenters who specialise in formwork on commercial pours and structural builds sit within the same VIZ occupation as residential framing carpenters - the policy covers both.
Does VIZ cover multi-storey residential work?
Yes. Multi-storey residential work sits within the covered business activities the same as single-storey. There's no height restriction specific to carpenters - second storey framing, roof trusses on apartment builds, and stair installation in townhouses are all within scope.
I do carpentry and handyman work - do I need two separate policies?
No. Carpentry and handyman are separate occupations on VIZ, but both can sit on the same policy. Simply add Handyman as a second occupation on your existing or new policy. A VIZ policy can hold up to 3 occupations, so handyman can sit alongside carpentry without needing a second policy.
Does VIZ cover carpenters on commercial sites?
Yes. Carpentry on commercial sites - offices, shopfronts, retail precincts and business premises - is within the covered business activities. Many commercial principals require $10M or $20M public liability cover as a condition of the contract. Both limits are available on a VIZ policy.
What happens if I use subcontractors on a job?
No problems. Your policy is designed to cover you for your interests as a carpenter and this will include hiring subbies when you choose to do so. They’ll need their own insurance though. Across the Australian insurance industry, the general rule of thumb is that you can't insure something that isn't yours. A chippy or labourer brought on as a subbie, with their own ABN, needs to carry their own policy to be covered for their interests.
If I am a sub-contracted carpenter, can I get insurance with VIZ?
Yes, many of our carpentry clients subcontract to builders, principal contractors or a lead carpenter. Rather than relying on the insurance of a builder or principal contractor, you can get your own insurance and provide your Certificate of Currency before getting on site. VIZ emails your certificate over the moment the policy goes active, with a copy stored in the VIZ Tradie Pass on your phone for 24/7 access.
How much does carpenter insurance cost?
Premiums depend on your public liability limit, the state you primarily operate in, and the number of employees in your business. Head to our carpenters insurance page for a breakdown.