Running your own business can be one of the most financially rewarding experiences a person could have. However, with those rewards, you also accept plenty of risks as well. Although liability insurance is often one of the first things a business owner obtains, it is not an excuse to allow your customers or employees to be put in danger. Therefore, we’ve compiled three ways you can protect your business from liabilities.
Inspect the Premises Regularly
One of the easiest ways to be proactive is to inspect your business’ premises. This will allow you to see areas of your building that although are less frequented by people are still as important as your front doors. Issues to look out for can be burnt out lighting, fire hazards as well as hazardous obstacles on the floor that can be tripping hazards to anyone walking by. Inspecting your parking lot is a good idea too, as this is where a lot of accidents can happen.
Use Warning Signs
Investing in a variety of signs is one of the best ways to be proactive in your approach to minimize risk. You may not think that you need anything above a wet floor sign. However, dangers within your business are as unpredictable as anything else. Thus, one should be prepared with the appropriate signage whenever issues such as electrical or chemical dangers are present. It is no doubt that one of the easiest ways businesses get themselves in a legal battle is by being unprepared with the right warning signs.
Implement Safety Programs
Unfortunately, one of the many ways businesses get themselves in trouble is from a lack of an established action plan. Someone tripping on a wet floor tile because no one was around to see the spill may not be the best of courtroom defenses. Therefore, once all potential risks are evaluated, it is the duty of the owner or managers to implement a safety program. This provides employees an understanding of who is in charge of making sure things are safe for their customers and what needs to be done if an issue arises. Preventive action such as this can greatly improve the safety of your business and reduce your risk of liability.
A workplace should be a safe place for both employees and customers alike. Thus, those who are proactive in their goal to reduce workplace hazards and reduce their overall liability will no doubt go a long way.
And while you’re at it, make sure you’re covered by the best insurance to protect your business!
LEGAL DISCLAIMER
Views expressed here do not constitute legal advice. The information contained herein is for general guidance of matter only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. Discussion of insurance policy language is descriptive only. Every policy has different policy language. Coverage afforded under any insurance policy issued is subject to individual policy terms and conditions. Please refer to your policy for the actual language.
