What insurance do fiber construction and splicing contractors need?

Fiber construction and splicing contractors need a coverage program tailored to their unique exposures, which differ significantly from tower climbing. Core coverages include: GL without underground utility exclusion (critical since fiber work involves extensive boring, trenching, and duct access), workers compensation with class codes appropriate to the work (typically lower-rated than climbing codes since most fiber work is at ground level or in underground vaults), commercial auto for truck-mounted splicing units and construction vehicles, and inland marine covering expensive fiber splicing equipment (fusion splicers cost $15,000-$50,000 each). Specific fiber construction exposures include: underground utility strikes (hitting gas, water, electric, or other fiber while boring), aerial fiber work on utility poles (creates height exposure similar to small cell), damage to existing fiber networks during splice or maintenance work, traffic control liability for aerial and underground work in roadways, and restoration of surfaces after underground construction. Professional liability may be required if you perform fiber design, route engineering, or as-built documentation. Pollution liability may be required for underground work in contaminated areas or work near petroleum facilities. The insurance cost profile for fiber contractors is generally lower than tower erectors due to reduced height exposure, but underground work creates its own severity potential.