April 25, 2024
Business owners have an important responsibility – keeping their employees and customers safe. This is known as “premises liability” and it’s something every operation, big or small, needs to understand. When someone gets injured on your property, it falls on you regardless of whether you were directly at fault or not. That’s why it’s so important for companies to think about safety at their location.
We will be digging into what companies have to do take care of their staff’s well-being. We will also look at some tips for making sure clients can comfortably shop without worrying about tripping or getting hurt. We will wrap up by pointing to a few best practices to have in place. Our goal is to make this informative for both business owners as well as anyone who likes learning about new topics. Let’s jump in!
Employer Duties Regarding Employee Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) puts certain expectations on employers when it comes to keeping their people safe. Among other responsibilities, companies need to provide equipment and working conditions that are up to code. For example, this means ensuring machinery has the proper safeguards in place and the building’s electricity and lighting meet regulations.
It also means making sure walkways are clear of clutter than staff could trip over. Proper safety gear needs to be provided too. Think things like gloves, goggles, back belts, and other items specific to the type of work being performed. Beyond physical safety, employers should implement policies around bullying, discrimination, and other behaviors that threaten well-being.
Now let’s get specific with some case studies. Wet floors are a common example – say there’s a spill in a restaurant kitchen that doesn’t get cleaned up right away. And an employee slips and falls, getting badly hurt. This demonstrates why having good floor mats, posting warning signs, and training on protocols for cleaning spills quickly can make all the difference.
Customer Safety Considerations
Safety isn’t just about employees, however. Customers also have an expectation that they can shop or conduct business on a company’s premises without injury. As a business owner, you need to be paying attention to potential risks to clients at your locations.
Parking lots should be well-maintained, with adequate lighting and even pavement free of major cracks and potholes where someone could twist an ankle.
Inside, keep all public areas clean, tidy and well-lit. Place twice-daily safety walk-arounds on the agenda to spot any developing issues like obstructed passageways. Train staff to remain alert to potential dangers as they go about their day. An astute store clerk may notice, for example, dangerously overloaded shelves at risk of collapsing on a patron. A waitress may spot a toy choking hazard left on the floor by a previous family. Catching and correcting these safety hazards is key.
Liability for Injuries & Accidents
So what happens when someone does get injured while on your property, whether they are an employee or customer? In most cases, that individual or their family can sue your business for damages related to medical bills, lost wages from missed work, pain and suffering, and other expenses.
There does not need to be clear negligence on your company’s part for them to successfully win their case, either. Simply their presence on the property and unaddressed hazard could be enough to establish liability on your end. That’s why staying abreast of potential dangers and documenting your safety precautions is so important. Should anything occur, you’ll have a record showing steps were actively taken to promote safety.
In terms of insurance, talk to your provider about appropriate liability coverage levels. This ensures you’ll have support paying legal expenses and damages should you end up embroiled in a lawsuit.
Best Practices for Promoting Safety
Luckily, there are straightforward ways business owners can maximize safety across their company premises. Firstly, invest in quality lighting, surveillance cameras, convex mirrors for seeing around corners, and other helpful visibility tools. Signage is also fairly inexpensive but pays off immensely. Post clear caution warnings on wet floors at restrooms entrances. Use OSHA-approved safety labels on any equipment.
For one low-cost but high-impact idea, install emergency shut-off switches for machinery accessible to staff. This enables them to instantly cut power if something gets stuck or they witness dangerous operation.
Another smart tactic is naming an onsite safety manager who spearheads continuous improvement. Have them lead monthly safety walk-arounds and start a suggestion box where employees can voice concerns anonymously.
Most importantly, implement a reporting procedure for potential hazards that is easy to follow. Place a high priority on quickly responding to and fixing any issues. The longer that wet floor or damaged staircase goes unaddressed, the higher the odds of an injury occurring.
Staying vigilant day in and day out is hard but will pay dividends through employees who feel cared for and customers who become loyal regulars.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, premises liability for employee and customer safety comes down to being proactive. As a business owner, you set the tone for your establishment. Instill a culture across all levels of management centered around staying alert and taking action when it comes to mitigating risks. Provide routine training to both staff and contractors on upholding security protocols. Document your dual commitment to patron welfare and accident prevention.
The upfront investment feels steep but is minor compared to the costs of a major lawsuit or injury-related shutdown of operations. And of course, there’s no replacing the health of valued employees and community members should the worst occur. By taking a methodical approach to safety first, you protect your company’s future interests while supporting public good – that’s the type of reputation that draws people in for the long haul.