Defining a Subcontractor

The use of subcontractors is common among a wide range of industries in Australia, especially within the building, design and construction industries.

A subcontractor can be defined as a person or company who is appointed to provide part of the services that a contractor has agreed to provide to a principal.

Below is a diagram demonstrating the relationship between the principal, contractor and subcontractor in the building of a new residential home.

The nature of subcontractors can vary between professional services such as designing or consulting to the delivery of a product, service or outcome such as maintenance, repairs, servicing, manufacturing, building and construction.

Subcontractors and Insurance – What Should I be Aware Of?

When it comes to insurance, the relationship between an employer and subcontractor can be complex.

As we know, things don’t always run according to plan and incidents occur during the course of running your business that may result in loss or damage by a third party.

In some instances, an issue may arise directly as a result of the actions of your subcontractor.

For example, you may be a building contractor who has engaged a plumber to complete the plumbing work in a new residential home you are contracted to build by the owners.

The owners of the new home have come to the building site to inspect the progress of their home and during their visit, the owner has tripped on discarded piping and injured themselves – requiring medical treatment.

In this situation, it may be that you are held vicariously liable for the actions of the subcontractor, even though it was not your direct actions that lead to the incident.

By law, the principal (or contractor) is considered vicariously liable for the actions of its agents (subcontractors).

What is Vicarious Liability and How Do I Avoid It?

Vicarious liability is the imposition of liability on one person for the negligence of another to whom the former has entrusted (or ‘delegated’) the performance of some task on their behalf.

Vicarious liability doesn’t just arise in instances where the actions of your subcontractor has lead to injury – you can also be held liable for your subcontractor’s failure to complete a job or perform a job correctly or any other violations of their contract.

Bearing this in mind, it is essential that you have the correct insurance in place to protect yourself from being held vicariously liable for the actions of your subcontractors.

Many sub-contracts contain clauses requiring the subcontractor to indemnify you as the head contractor for its liability for death, injury or damage caused by the subcontractors.

Beware however – this does not automatically mean you are free and clear of all responsibility for the actions of your subcontractors. Each party is required to hold insurance to cover the indemnity they have provided.

Therefore, our key recommendations for ensuring you are protected from vicarious liability claims are:

In taking these steps, you can continue to operate your business with the peace of mind that in the event of an incident on the job, you and your subcontractors are adequately covered.

If you would like further information about subcontractors and the implications of vicarious liability, please contact us.