Prioritizing Safety in Custom Glass Shower Enclosure & Mirror Installation

Installing custom glass shower enclosures and un-tempered mirrors requires precision, experience, and above all—a strong commitment to safety. Glass is a beautiful yet potentially hazardous material, and without the right precautions, installers risk serious injuries, property damage, and liability issues.

Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting in the industry, following best practices for glass handling and installation is crucial. Equally important is protecting your business with workers' compensation and general liability insurance—because even the most skilled installers can encounter unexpected risks.

Handling Glass Safely: Key Best Practices

1. Wear Proper Safety Gear

Safety should always come first. When handling annealed glass, it is important to wear cut-resistant gloves and use suction cups for lifting to keep your arms alongside the glass rather than underneath the glass. When cutting metals and other materials, it is important to wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. It is worth noting that regular prescription glasses are not safety glasses, and if broken, can cause additional damage to the eye. Installing large, heavy panels increases the risk of breakage and serious injuries, so never cut corners on protective equipment.

2. Use the Right Tools & Equipment

Glass handling is easier and safer with the right tools:

• Suction cups – Provide a firm grip when lifting large glass panels and keep your arms alongside the glass rather than underneath it.

• Glass dollies & racks – Prevent unnecessary lifting and reduce the risk of dropping heavy panels.

• Padding & edge protectors – Protect glass from chips and cracks during transport and installation.

3. Inspect Glass Before Installation

Check for defects before installing any shower enclosure or mirror, including:

• Heat pitting, damaged edges, scratches, or seeds

• Tempering defects (if applicable)

• Sharp edges or corners that need polishing

Installing damaged glass increases the risk of breakage on-site, which can be dangerous for both the installer and the homeowner.

4. Always Handle Un-Tempered Mirror with Extra Care

Unlike tempered glass, un-tempered (annealed) mirror is highly fragile and does not break into small, safer pieces when shattered. To prevent accidents:

• Use caution when cutting mirror glass—even a small chip can lead to a full break.

• Never carry large mirrors alone—always use two people or lifting equipment.

• Secure mirrors properly—ensure they are mounted flush to the wall with the right fasteners and adhesives to prevent stress fractures.

Why Insurance Matters for Glass Installers

Even with the best safety practices, accidents can happen. That’s why workers' compensation and general liability insurance are essential for glass professionals. Be sure to check with your local government to ensure you have the required coverage in your area.

Workers' Compensation Insurance: Protecting Your Team

Why it matters: Covers medical expenses and lost wages if an employee is injured on the job.

Example: If a worker drops a heavy glass panel and suffers a serious hand injury, workers' comp helps cover their treatment costs and time off work—without financially devastating your business or leaving your employee in a difficult situation.

General Liability Insurance: Protecting Your Business

Why it matters: Covers property damage and injuries to clients or third parties.

Example: If a glass panel shatters and damages a customer’s expensive tile flooring, general liability insurance helps cover repair costs, preventing costly out-of-pocket expenses.

Final Thoughts: Safety & Protection Go Hand-in-Hand

As glass professionals, we take pride in delivering beautiful, high-quality installations—but that means putting safety first. By following proper handling techniques, using the right tools, and investing in insurance, we can protect ourselves, our employees, and our customers.

Stay safe. Stay insured. Stay professional!