Keeping your business premises free of hazards

Posted On Monday April 29, 2019

Premises Liability

Regrettably, it can happen. An accident that ends up hurting a customer or someone else involved in your business.

Remember, you are responsible for every person who enters. Failing to maintain or fix known or foreseen hazards could result in a lawsuit, even if you rent the property where you conduct your business. To prevent damage and injury, taking reasonable precautions while conducting your operations is good business.

Premises liability losses are not just slip and fall accidents.

Liability losses on a premises include any hazards that are preventable or foreseen such as:

  • Water leaks
  • Inadequate building security leading to injury or assault
  • Elevator accidents
  • Toxic fumes
  • Poor lighting
  • Improperly blocked off construction zones
  • Any other inadequate maintenance of premises issues

We believe insurance and loss prevention work together to help keep you and your business safe.

Loss prevention measures help to prevent or minimize damages and injuries.

Premises liability insurance protects you in the event of a lawsuit.

What are some things you can do to prevent accidents?

Inspect your premises

  • Make sure there are no hazards that may cause injury or damage.
  • If a hazard is reported, correct the issue as soon as possible.
  • If you are not able to immediately correct the issue, using signs such as “wet floor” will help to provide your customers with an appropriate warning.

Keep people safe

  • Do not allow visitors or customers into restricted areas.
  • Keep all premises, including parking lots and sidewalks, well lit.
  • Keep the pr?emises neat and tidy. Implement a regular inspection and maintenance schedule.
  • Inspect shelves to ensure they will not collapse and that they do not have sharp edges.
  • Ensure equipment is well spaced to avoid clutter.

Ensure enough employees and/or volunteers are on duty to protect visitors and/or customers from potential harm

  • Determine the average and maximum number of clients and/or customers per day.
  • Put more employees and/or volunteers on duty during heavy traffic periods.
  • Provide training to employees and/or volunteers.
  • Ensure that employees and/or volunteers assist clients and/or customers if they are using hazardous equipment.

Give adequate warning

  • Place warning labels on potentially hazardous products.
  • Place signs to deter clients and/or customers from restricted areas.
  • Provide instructions on how to operate equipment, handle materials and/or products, etc.

Implement security measures

  • Install a security alarm.
  • Place signs in a visible location to warn people that a security system is in place.
  • Install electronic surveillance such as a security camera. Keep privacy restrictions in mind.
  • Keep the premises locked after hours.

With the proper insurance coverage and a detailed risk management plan, understanding the risks and associated liabilities that are unique to your business premises is a good place to start. Please contact your agent or broker for more details.

Source: Insurance Bureau of Canada