Running a business with a physical storefront involves risks of filing general liability claims. This part of your business insurance is essential because it protects your assets from getting drained due to costly lawsuits. Your general liability coverage pays legal costs, including settlements, if your company gets sued. Let’s discuss in detail about it.
Here are ten important tips to help reduce the chances of filing a claim:
1. Inspect parking lots & sidewalks for safety
One of the most common general liability claims involves pedestrians tripping over objects in parking lots or on sidewalks. You should have an employee inspect and ear your walkways on a daily basis. When tree branches or other debris fall on the walkways, it creates safety hazards.
2. Clean slippery surfaces
During the winter, rain, snow, and ice can make walking outdoors dangerous. Be aware that snow can melt and re-freeze the next night. Applying sand and salt to snow can help reduce its slipperiness. Check all outdoor walkways to make sure they are not wet or slippery.
3. Look at interior/exterior lighting issues
Accidents often occur in areas where visibility is low, such as places without lighting. Check both your interior and exterior walkways to ensure there's sufficient brightness. Look for dark spots in the parking lot and determine if you need to install extra lighting.
4. Keep your flooring smooth and clean
Sweeping floors cannot be ignored when it comes to regular maintenance. You should regularly inspect floors for cracks or other defects that can cause someone to trip and fall. If you notice any defects, they should be fixed immediately. Make sure rugs do not contain ripples that can cause people to trip.
5. Mop spills & wet surfaces immediately
Anytime someone spills a substance or liquid on the floor, it should be cleaned as soon as possible so that it doesn't leave a sticky residue. It's wise to have a mop available in areas of heavy traffic to ensure spills can be cleaned in a timely manner. An employee should place a "caution" sign in a wet area until it's mopped up.
6. Examine furniture & fixtures for dangers
Since it's possible for people to trip over furniture or fixtures in an unfamiliar setting, it's wise to review the layout of your establishment for safety considerations. When chairs or tables get old, they can become unstable, creating dangerous scenarios. That's why you should always be cognizant of your furniture's age and condition.
7. Be aware of bathroom safety
Soap is great for cleaning, but it can also create safety hazards when it's wet and slippery. Keep soap dishes cleaned to minimize the spread of soap. Make sure bathroom visitors can dry their hands with either a dryer or paper towels.
8. Keep stairways free of objects
Stairways should be on your team's regular maintenance inspection list. To maximize safety, consider installing handrails and using slip-resistant flooring.
9. Practice fire safety
Another item on your inspection list is fire safety in general. You should have an emergency plan developed in case you ever need to evacuate the building. Make sure your maintenance team regularly checks smoke detectors and other fire safety equipment.
10. Assess your entire establishment
Take a look at your entire establishment to ensure you keep safety risks to a minimum. Let your insurer know if you invest in technology that reduces risks.
You can use these tips whenever you need to file general liability claims. Ideally, your business will keep claims to a minimum by practicing risk management strategies. Contact the experts at Knight Insurance Services to learn more about preventing accidents and other unfortunate events at your establishment. With over 100 years of experience in this field, we can provide you with the right solution.
