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Wisconsin Safe  Operation of Tractor and Machinery Certification Program

Risk Management - Insurance for Property Damage

Cooperative Extension certification programs borrowing equipment from an individual or implement dealer should ask if the insurance of the individual or implement dealer will cover any damage to the equipment.

If the answer is "yes", then the program coordinator should get a statement in writing that damage is to be covered through that individuals or implement dealers insurance. This should be done prior to the use of the equipment.

If the answer is "no", then the Extension agent responsible for the program needs to provide Risk Management the following information:

  • description of equipment being borrowed;
  • the estimated value of the equipment and
  • the dates under which the equipment is in UWEX control.

This information needs to be provided in writing, prior to the use of the equipment to:

Bill Atzen Risk Management 103 Extension Building Madison, WI 53706-1498

When this information is on file with Risk Management, the state's self-insurance will cover property damage to the equipment form Extension's use of the equipment.
 

Liability Concerns

 "As an instructor, what is my liability in case a youth is injured?" The nature of liability makes this an important question to be asked. Each program should consider liability issues prior to conducting a program. Since the individuals and organizations that provide instruction to these programs vary, it is difficult to give one prescribed answer.

An important first step is to meet the program requirements set forth in this Instructor Guides. Accurate recordkeeping will help in case a youth is injured. Certifying authorities should maintain records on dates of training, attendace of youth, exam scores, copy of certificates for years after the year of training.

For programs instructed by volunteer instructors, program coordinators should explore coverage for these volunteers through existing resources. For example, Washington County identifies the instructors as volunteers and provides them coverage through the county insurance. Buffalo County purchased special event liability insurance through. In some cases 4-H Leaders Associations may have special volunteer liability insurance that the instructors may be covered through.