Patrice N Hall - Tips to Prevent General Liability Claims

Patrice N HallClaims Management, Safety

Ways Your Business Can Assist In General Liability Claim Prevention

Parking Lots & Sidewalks Slippery Surfaces Interior/Exterior Lighting Flooring Spills & Wet Surfaces Furniture & Fixtures Bathroom Safety Establishment at Large Fire Safety

Parking lots and sidewalks should be routinely inspected and maintained. During the winter season, be sure to perform timely maintenance of parking lots.

Have the parking lot plowed by a professional if snow has fallen. You should also inspect the parking lot for any potholes that may need to be filled. While tending to the parking lot, do not forget the sidewalks! Be sure that they, too, are shoveled and cleared.

Parking Lots & Sidewalks

During the spring especially, snow can melt from above-freezing temperatures during the day and re-freeze from below-freezing temperatures at night.

Use sand and/or salt in outdoor areas that are known to freeze and might be slippery (sidewalks, front entrances – especially brick surfaces, patios, etc.).

Slippery Surfaces

Incidents are more likely to occur in dark or poorly lit areas.

Check all lighting both inside and outside of the property (especially in the parking lot) for “dark spots” to ensure that all areas are properly illuminated.

Interior/Exterior Lighting

Periodically examine the rugs and flooring for any “lifting” or repairs to avoid trips and falls. If any repairs need to be made, do so immediately.

Slip-resistant floor materials and treatments should be applied to necessary areas (including dance floors).

Flooring

Ensure rapid cleanup of spills and use movable “caution” signage.

If the interior floor is wet from rain or melting snow being brought in by patrons, be sure to utilize “caution” signs to notify the public of the wet floor.

Spills & Wet Surfaces

Check chairs and tables for any “rickety” spots that could cause drinks or food to fall, or even worse, an individual! Ensure all tables and chairs are stable.

A routine maintenance program should be implemented to inspect and repair furniture and fixtures.

Furniture & Fixtures

Place restroom soap and hand dryers/paper towel dispensers in areas where soap and water drips are minimized.

All restrooms should be cleaned on a regular basis to avoid water or soap leakage, especially from customers and employees washing their hands.

Bathroom Safety

Review the establishment as a whole to ensure a safe environment for patrons and employees. The layout of the restaurant should be carefully planned to avoid any incidents.

You should also adhere to maximum occupancy regulations, ensure egress areas are maintained free and clear, separate delivery areas from patron parking and entry areas, ensure parking lots contain minimal shrubbery and vision obstruction for patron security, and you should also utilize exterior cameras wherever appropriate.

Establishment at Large

Inspect all smoke detectors to ensure that they are completely functional and do not need to be replaced. Also make sure that all exits are clearly marked.

Emergency power sources for egress lighting should be tested regularly. Appropriate kitchen fire safety equipment should be installed and routinely cleaned and inspected.

Fire Safety

Patrice N Hall Tips to Prevent General Liability Claims