Taking precautions to keep your place of business free of accidents and prevent liability claims is common sense, but they include a lot of minor details that businesses can easily overlook. If you work hard to keep safety at the forefront, you can avoid most accidents that could potentially happen on your property. While general liability insurance is needed in case your business faces a lawsuit, you can protect your business from lawsuits and liability claims with these simple tips.
Floors
Slips, trips, and falls are common accidents that could lead to a liability claim. Have a maintenance plan in place for keeping all walkways and floors free of spills and set out a yellow “wet floor” sign when they do happen. Floor mats at entrances can be used to prevent the floors from getting wet or slippery.
Clearly indicate wherever there are elevation changes in your flooring or a step down. Immediately repair and replace any damaged or missing carpet, carpet tiles, tiles, wood, etc., from your flooring.
Stairs
The stairs are one area where accidents could easily happen to just about anyone, especially those with limited mobility. Handrails and steps should always be secure and never loose. Be sure each step is slip-proof with a non-slip surface. Keep your stairway clear at all times (never use it for storage of any kind) to prevent trips and falls.
Outdoors
Your parking lot and outdoor areas need careful attention too. Routinely check your parking lot and walkway areas outside for dangers such as potholes, cracks, debris, and uneven spots. Also, keep the parking lot and outdoor walkways clear of snow and ice.
Lighting
Stay on top of maintenance for all of your lighting on your property to keep employees and guests safe and secure. This includes routinely checking and replacing all lightbulbs, as well as testing your emergency lighting system. Also, make sure all walkways and stairways are properly lit.
General
It’s also helpful to consider other general housekeeping tips to keep your property safe, which can include anything from having a schedule for emptying trash cans, so they don’t overflow, and checking refrigerators and restrooms for leaks to avoiding hazards such as using extension cords in common areas.
Don’t let a simple oversight cost you an expensive lawsuit or count against your general liability insurance. Our insurance specialists at Swarts, Manning & Associates can help you understand your general liability insurance needs.
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