Breakfast with a side of tool engraving: AMI Insurance hosts free safety events for tradies amidst rise in thefts

Auckland tradies are being urged to brush up on their workplace safety and security know-how at two free community breakfast events at PlaceMakers in New Lynn and Mt Wellington, hosted by AMI Insurance.

The expo-style events come amidst rising rates of thefts from trades vehicles and burglaries from construction sites. According to AMI Insurance data, the number of claims made for stolen tools or equipment has risen 63% over the past two years, making theft the most common cause of a claim for tools or equipment.

AMI Community Risk Advocate, Gary Rennie, says events like these are a great opportunity for small businesses and self-employed tradespeople to access the latest safety information and education.

“The average value of a claim for tools stolen from a vehicle is just over $7,000 – a hefty amount to stump up if all your tools are nicked from your van, particularly for someone like a young apprentice. With theft of equipment and building materials such as GIB becoming more common, these breakfast events are about practical, preventative steps tradies can take, as well as broader safety and security awareness.

“Our tradie customers tell us that in addition to tool theft, they’re also worried about potentially having to cover the cost of something going wrong on site, such as accidental damage or injury. When you’re working on complex jobs, mistakes happen, no matter the amount of skill involved, but even a small mistake can end up being extremely costly if you’re legally liable,” says Mr Rennie.

Over the past two years, AMI paid out nearly $11million in Public Liability (also known as Broadform Liability) claims. The highest value claim was for the wrong type of paint being applied to a building.

Wide range of safety expertise on offer

New Zealand Police, Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) and driver safety experts AutoSense and Fleetcoach are among several organisations on board for the events.

“Attendees will have direct access to the safety expertise of our partners, with tips and demonstrations to help keep their gear secure and reduce the risk of workplace accidents. Plus, they’ll be set up for the day with a free breakfast and coffee for the road,” says Mr Rennie.

The Police will offer advice around how to reduce the risk of becoming a target for thieves, with a free tool engraving service available on site, plus examples of other tracking technologies that could help protect more expensive assets. 

Mt Wellington Police Inspector, Rachel Dolheguy, says, “We’re excited to take part and help raise awareness of the steps tradespeople can take to protect themselves. Engraving your tools is a smart way to deter thieves and assist the Police in recovery.”

FENZ will be on site promoting fire safety tips specific to tradespeople and will also provide advice on the best fire extinguisher to use for different types of fire.

Fleetcoach will be helping drivers better identify and respond to driving hazards, and attendees will get the chance to try out their award-winning training system on a big screen. Autosense will also be bringing their state-of-the-art forklift simulator.

Mr Rennie says, “AMI will always be here to help our tradie customers recover from theft or an accident – but we know the best medicine is always prevention. We are really pleased to be able to host an event to help boost safety among our local tradies and the communities they look after.

The events will take place from 6:45-8:45am at PlaceMakers New Lynn on Thursday 25 August and PlaceMakers Mt Wellington on Friday 26 August. There is no need to pre-register, just turn up on the day and check in at the registration desk. 

Tips to prevent your tools being stolen:

• Record the tool type, the make and model, and any other information that can help identify it. For power tools, include the tool’s unique serial number.
• Painting your tools a bright colour or engraving your name into your tools is a way to make them obvious and easy to identify – this will help get them back to you if they are stolen and then recovered by Police.
• Tools are often stolen at night – this is especially common in construction sites or open-air job sites. So make sure that at knock-off time, your tools are securely hidden in an unsuspecting place.
• When you park your work vehicle overnight it’s a good idea to take your tools out and store them in the garage – but this can be a real pain after a long day on the job site. Storing your tools in a secure box with a visible lock can deter thieves from attempting to pinch them – and you don’t need unload and load them into your vehicle every day. 

Key statistics*

Tools & equipment

• The number of claims made for stolen tools or equipment has risen 63% over the past two years. In 2020, AMI received 155 claims of this type, leaping to 251 in 2021.
• Thieves are most likely to steal tools from a vehicle. AMI received 275 claims for tools or equipment stolen from a vehicle over the past two years.
• The average value of a claim for tools or equipment stolen from a vehicle is just over $7,000.

Public Liability

• Over the past two years, AMI paid out nearly $11million in Public Liability (also known as Broadform Liability) claims.
• The most expensive Public Liability claim during this period was nearly $108,000 for the wrong type of paint being applied to a building.

Theft of construction materials

• According to AMI contract works claims data, wiring and cables are the materials most likely to be targeted by thieves, followed by gas califonts and plasterboard.
• Theft of plasterboard has increased in 2022 amid GIB shortages, with 7 claims for plasterboard since April this year, compared to just one in 2020 and none in 2021.

*Based on IAG claims data under IAG Mobile Business Assets policies; IAG Contract Works policies; and IAG Broadform Liability policies across 2020 and 2021.