As summer winds down and fall approaches, it is for small business owners to take a closer look at their workplace, equipment, and daily operations. Changing weather, shorter days, increased food traffic, and seasonal maintenance needs can all create new risks for your business.
A fall safety check can help you identify potential problems before they lead to an accident, property damage, or an interruption to your business. Here are a few areas to review this season.
Inspect Your Property
Walk around your property and look for hazards that may have developed over the summer. Check sidewalks, parking lots, entrances, stairs, railings, and exterior lighting for damage or areas that could create a trip or fall hazard.
As leaves begin to accumulate, make sure they are regularly cleared from walkways, entrances, and drainage areas. Wet leaves can become slippery, while clogged drains can contribute to water buildup and property damage.
Check Exterior Lighting
With the days getting shorter, employees and customers may be arriving or leaving your business in the dark. Check exterior lighting around parking lots, sidewalks, entrances, loading areas, and other frequently used spaces.
Replace burned out bulbs and address any areas that remain poorly lit. Good lighting can improve visibility and help reduce the risk of slips, trips, falls, and other accidents.
Prepare for Changing Weather
Fall weather can change quickly. Rain, wind, and freezing temperatures can create hazards for employees, customers, and your property.
Make sure your business has a plan for dealing with severe weather. Check that gutters and downspouts are clear, inspect the roof for potential problems, and make sure water is directed away from your building.
If your business operates vehicles or has employees who drive as part of their jobs, this is also a good time to review safe driving practices for rain, fog, fallen leaves, and reduced visibility.
Review Heating Equipment
As temperatures drop, your heating system will soon be working harder. Have heating equipment inspected and serviced as recommended by the manufacturer.
Make sure portable heaters, if permitted at your business, are kept away from flammable materials and plugged directly into appropriate outlets. Never use damaged equipment or extension cords that are not rated for the intended use.
It is also important to make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Check Fire Safety Equipment
Fall is a good time to review your business’s fire safety equipment and procedures. Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible, properly charged, and inspected according to applicable requirements.
Keep exits, emergency doors, electrical panels, and fire safety equipment clear of boxes, inventory, equipment, and other obstructions.
Review your emergency evacuation plan with employees and make sure everyone knows where to go if there is a fire or other emergency.
Inspect Electrical Equipment
Look for frayed cords, damaged plugs, overloaded outlets, and other electrical hazards. Pay particular attention to equipment that may have been used heavily throughout the summer.
Avoid overloading outlets or using extension cords as a permanent solution. If you notice an electrical problem, have it addressed by a qualified professional.
Prepare for Slip and Fall Risks
Wet weather, leaves, mud, and eventually snow and ice can increase the risk of slips and falls. Establish a routine for keeping entrances, walkways, and work areas clean and dry.
Consider placing appropriate mats near entrances and having supplies available to address wet floors quickly. If your business has a snow and ice removal plan, make sure employees know who is responsible for monitoring and addressing hazardous conditions.
Review Workplace Safety Procedures
Seasonal changes are also a good opportunity to revisit your workplace safety procedures. Make sure employees understand how to report hazards and what to do in an emergency.
If your business uses ladders, machinery tools, vehicles, or other equipment, make sure employees are following proper safety procedures and that equipment is maintained appropriately.
Protect Your Business From Cyber Risks
Fall can also be a good time to review your digital security. Make sure software and operating systems are updated, employees are using strong passwords, and important information is backed up.
Remind employees to be cautious with unexpected emails, links, attachments, and requests for sensitive information. A quick refresher on phishing and other common cyber threats can help prevent a costly mistake.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Your business changes throughout the year. You may have purchased new equipment, added employees, expanded your operations, renovated your building, or changed the products and services you offer.
Make sure your insurance coverage still reflects your current business. Your insurance professional can help you review your property, liability, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, and other coverage to identify potential gaps.
Make Fall Safety Part of Your Routine
A fall safety check does not have to be complicated. Taking some time to walk through your property, review your procedures, inspect equipment, and prepare for changing weather can help you address problems before they become bigger issues.
At Gannon Associates Insurance, we believe protecting your business goes beyond an insurance policy. We are here to help you identify risks, understand your coverage, and find insurance solutions designed around your business.
