One of the scariest parts about owning a small or medium-size retail shop is the potential for customer injury. After all, we've all heard stories about customers slipping on a mopped floor and suing a retail shop owner for a million dollars. As a shop owner, we don't want to see that fate befall us.
Here are three tips for protecting your retail store from liability claims.
Tip #1: Alert Customers To Potential Hazards
The easiest way to protect yourself from a potential liability claim against your business insurance is to always alert customers to potential hazards. This includes putting out signs when flooring is wet due to cleaning or rainfall. And marking any odd doorways or steps that might present a tripping hazard. If there is clear signage signifying an issue, you'll likely prevent an incident from happening.
Tip #2: Train Employees To Keep A Safe Environment
It is also important to train employees in the art of keeping a safe environment. Remind them to always keep tripping hazards to a minimum by preventing stretching electric cords across aisles, putting away ladders used to change displays, and keeping inventory put away neatly. By making safety a part of your normal operating procedure, you can ensure that the work environment around your shop is safe for both shoppers and fellow workers.
Tip #3: Maintain Your Premises
A large segment of insurance claims against business insurance include incidents that are preventable with a bit of building maintenance. Make sure things like handrails on stairs, loose tile, and broken sidewalks receive repair as needed. If you rent your location, keep clear records of when you alerted management to the issues. This helps reduce the risk of an incident before it even occurs. It also ensures that your business looks great to potential customers.
How A Business Owner's Policy (BOP) Protects Your Store Against Liability Claims
Of course, a big part of protecting your retail shop is having insurance coverage. A business owner's policy (BOP) combines the most essential parts of coverage — general liability insurance and property coverage — together into a convenient package. It's a great way to ensure you have protection even if the above steps fail to prevent customer slips, falls or other injuries.
Are you ready to discuss your retail store's business insurance coverage? Contact your Bobby Brown Insurance agent to schedule an appointment.
Get A Quote