Helping an Industrial Waste Provider Navigate Complex Risks

2019: The First Call for Help

The client approached Edgewise with two urgent issues:

1. Unpaid Insurer Invoices
The client had several outstanding invoices from insurers that hadn't been paid. Non-payment could lead to the suspension or cancellation of policies, leaving the client exposed to risks and potentially in breach of contractual or regulatory requirements for insurance. A poor payment history can also harm relationships with insurers, limited access to competitive markets and causing higher premiums. This exacerbates the problem and can rapidly spiral out of control.

2. High Workers Compensation Premiums
Their premiums for Workers Compensation were far above industry benchmarks, eroding their margins and contributing to their cashflow problems. High premiums are also indicative of deeper problems, such as poor claims management or workplace safety gaps. If left unaddressed, the business could have faced regulatory scrutiny or penalties.

For an industry like Waste Management where risk management is critical, these issues needed to be fixed, and fast.

Our first step was a comprehensive insurance programme review. This wasn’t just about finding cheaper premiums, it was about identifying structural weaknesses—treating the causes rather than the symptoms.

We also opened direct lines of communication with the insurers. When invoices go unpaid, it’s not just a financial issue, it erodes trust between the client and the insurers, making future negotiations harder and potentially jeopardising coverage. Edgewise understood that restoring confidence required more than clearing balances, it meant getting everyone to the table and reinforcing that we were all on the same team. By facilitating direct negotiations, we created transparency, aligned expectations, and demonstrated a collaborative approach. Once trust was rebuilt, the path to renewal opened, ensuring continuity and strengthening the client’s position for future negotiations.

We also engaged Steadfast Workplace Risk (SWR) to help with Workers Compensation, since it is one of the most complex and heavily regulated areas of insurance. SWR's expertise in implementing structured claims management programmes was essential to reduce claim frequency and severity, improve reporting processes, and ultimately bring premiums back in line with industry norms.

As a result of our intervention, all outstanding invoices were resolved without litigation, Workers Compensation premiums were brought back into line, and the relationships between the client and insurers were repaired.

2020: Planning for Resilience

Now that the client's pressing issues were addressed, it was time to start working on structural resilience within the organisation.

Industrial waste operations face unpredictable risks—from equipment breakdowns to environmental incidents—so Edgewise conducted a Business Interruption risk review. This wasn’t a box-ticking exercise, it was about mapping operational dependencies and identifying coverage gaps that could cripple the business during a disruption.

We began renewal negotiations early because timing is everything in insurance. Starting the process ahead of schedule gave us the leverage to create competitive tension among insurers. When you’re negotiating under pressure or close to expiry, options narrow and pricing hardens. By moving early, we had the flexibility to approach multiple markets, compare terms, and push for enhancements without sacrificing coverage. This proactive approach ensured the client wasn’t just renewing—they were improving their position.

Introducing specialist insurers was critical because generic markets often fail to appreciate the nuances of waste management risks. Industrial waste operations involve environmental exposures, regulatory compliance, and high-value equipment—all factors that require tailored underwriting. A generalist insurer might offer coverage, but often with restrictive terms or exclusions that leave dangerous gaps. By bringing in insurers who understand these complexities, we secured policies that addressed real-world risks, not just theoretical ones.

Finally, we extended support to the owners’ personal insurances—covering home, farm, and motor—because continuity isn’t just about the business; it’s about the people behind it. Business transitions, acquisitions, and expansions create personal stress for owners, and unmanaged personal risk can undermine financial security.

2020 was the year that the client moved from reactive problem-solving to proactive risk management.

2021: New Growth Brings New Risks

The client’s plan to acquire a waste transfer station introduced a new layer of complexity: significant environmental liability exposure. Waste facilities carry inherent risks: contaminant leaks, soil pollution, and regulatory breaches can lead to claims that run into millions. Without the right coverage, a single incident could jeopardize the entire business. That’s why Edgewise conducted thorough due diligence on the site, assessing operational hazards, compliance history, and potential exposure points. This wasn’t just paperwork; it was about understanding the real-world risks and ensuring they were fully addressed.

Following the assessment, we secured an Industrial Special Risks (ISR) policy—a critical piece of protection that the previous broker had failed to place. ISR coverage matters because it goes beyond standard property insurance, safeguarding against catastrophic losses like fire, machinery breakdown, and environmental damage. Without it, the acquisition could have left the client vulnerable to financial disaster.

At the same time, the client faced a claim for alleged third-party damage. This could have escalated into costly litigation, but thanks to the specialist insurer we introduced in 2020, the claim was defended effectively. This outcome highlights why insurer relationships and expertise matter: when challenges arise, having the right partner ensures swift resolution and protects both reputation and balance sheet.

2022: National Expansion and Owner Exit

By 2022, the business was thriving and ready to expand into Queensland, a move that would increase operational complexity and introduce new regulatory requirements. At the same time, the owners were planning their exit, which added another layer of risk. Ownership transitions are rarely simple; they involve legal obligations, continuity planning, and the need to protect outgoing stakeholders from future liabilities. Without careful management, these changes could have left the business exposed and the owners vulnerable.

Edgewise approached this challenge strategically. First, we integrated the Queensland operations into the existing insurance programme, ensuring consistency across locations and avoiding fragmented coverage that could lead to gaps. This was essential because expansion often triggers new exposures, from environmental compliance to increased fleet risks.

Next, we arranged run-off cover for the outgoing owners—a critical safeguard that protects them against claims arising from decisions made during their tenure. This step is often overlooked, but without it, former owners can face unexpected liabilities years after leaving the business.

Finally, we continued managing personal insurances for the owners throughout the transition, because risk doesn’t stop at the business level. By consolidating commercial and personal coverage under one trusted advisor, we provided peace of mind during a period of significant change.

The result was a seamless expansion and ownership exit, with every risk accounted for. The business could grow confidently, and the owners could step away knowing they were fully protected.

Edgewise's Impact

What began as a crisis in 2019—unpaid insurer invoices and Workers Compensation premiums far above industry benchmarks—could have spiraled into policy cancellations, regulatory breaches, and mounting financial strain. Instead, Edgewise turned those challenges into an opportunity to build a stronger, more resilient business.

Through proactive planning, early negotiations, and the introduction of specialist insurers, we didn’t just fix problems, we created a foundation for growth. Our approach went beyond transactional insurance placement. It focused on relationships, communication, and strategic foresight. By getting all parties aligned and reinforcing that we were working toward the same goal, we restored trust and opened the door to better outcomes.

From implementing Business Interruption coverage to securing Industrial Special Risks policies and arranging run-off protection for outgoing owners, every step was designed to anticipate risk before it became a crisis. And by managing both commercial and personal insurances, we ensured continuity for the business and peace of mind for the people behind it.

Today, the client operates with confidence, knowing their insurance programme is robust, their risks are managed, and their broker is a trusted partner—not just for renewals, but for every stage of their journey.