For business owners like you, spring cleaning can be an eye-opening experience. Along with uncovering any old or obsolete items you’ve got lying around, it can help you identify gaps in your risk management process and address safety concerns.
Now is a good time to inspect your facilities, clear the premises of hazards, and reinforce safety messages before the busy season kicks in.
Here are some basic practices you can put in place (if you haven’t already) to help reduce risks and keep your property tidy. Revisit these year-round and not just during spring cleaning time.
Slips, trips, and falls are some of the biggest reasons for injuries and resulting claims—including workers’ compensation—in our industry.
The good news is that you can mitigate these pitfalls by following the simple housekeeping tips listed above. Train your employees on the importance of spotting, reporting, and cleaning up slip-and-fall hazards.
Remind your employees that when they notice something that could cause an injury, take immediate action:
One of the common hazards in this business is water. Wet floor signs with pictures are a necessity in areas where water is in use. Present this message in multiple languages if possible.
Have squeegees on hand to push pooling water into the drain or out of the way. In addition, make sure to train your employees to identify and report any algae that may begin to grow, as it’s extremely slippery. Algae is very common with frequent watering, especially when fertilizer is present.
Your business property is more than just structures. Many of the same hazards found inside can be found outside, too.
Keep materials off of sidewalks and paths and pick up loose materials, such as planters and buckets. This helps reduce accidents, keeps those items from being tossed around during storms, and improves the appearance of your business.
There are additional actions you can take to help prevent hazards:
Hold regular training sessions and create a safety team to identify any new issues. It can help you avoid costly workers’ compensation and liability claims.
Cleaning up your property and providing a safer work environment can have benefits that extend beyond a reduction in claims. Here are a few examples:
Accidents happen, even with precautions and procedures in place. Be sure you have the proper business insurance coverage in place for your operation.
Our Hortica® representatives can assist you in coming up with a policy for your business, including risk assessments, risk mitigation plans, and safety training. Contact us—we’re here to help.
How do you choose the right insurance company for your business? Explore types of coverages, risk management programs, and cost from your prospective provider. Here’s what else you should look for.
Keeping your business safe also means watching out for cyber criminals. Here’s a guide to common cybercrimes and how to avoid them.
Part of your cleanup efforts might include updating your technology. Here are some tips to reuse and recycle your old technology.
