Business Insurance Tips
At the Neziol Insurance Group our mission is to provide insurance protection in case of major disasters like fire, wind, explosions etc.
However claim prevention is also part of what we do. Below are some tips that will help keep you and your property safe.
General commercial crime prevention
- Install a burglar alarm system, which is monitored offsite. The recommended system is the one, which is certified by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).
- Ensure that all exterior doors have deadbolt locks.
- Install multi-purpose fire extinguishers in your premises and train all staff to use it.
- Inspect the interior of your premises on a regular basis for unsafe conditions that could lead to a slip and fall loss. Maintain a daily log of when the inspection was done, and conditions were noted and corrective action was taken.
- Floors should be kept clean and in good condition at all times.
- Ensure that aisles are kept clear of fallen merchandise or stock.
- During winter times, all entrances should have mats or rugs to help keep the floor clean and dry.
- Non-slip wax should be used on floor surfaces.
- Water and other spills should be mopped up immediately and a caution - wet floor sign should be posted.
- For spills involving oil or other industrial materials, absorbent non-combustible cleaning materials should be used.
- Proper signs for repair should be posted while any part of the premise is undergoing repairs.
- A snow and ice removal program should be implemented and adhered to, with an individual having responsibility for the program.
- Backup data and programs on a regular basis and store them offsite in a secure location.
- Laptop computers are portable and easy targets for theft. Do not leave then unattended or unsecured.
- Maintain records of serial numbers for all your equipment.
Business interruption prevention
- Maintain proper books and records of all your financial statements and records including audit statements.
- Maintain a list of secondary suppliers of materials in the event your primary supplier suffers a loss.
- Be prepared with a plan of action as to how you will continue to service your customers while your premises are being repaired after a loss.
- Reduce your physical and moral hazards of the premises.
- Duplicate your business records and store them off-site, in the event that your premises are damaged, you will have documents to substantiate any business interruption loss.
- All tools should be stamped with an identification number to assist in their recovery; they should be painted in easily recognizable colors to ease the process of identification.
- All tools equipment should be kept in a locked area at all times when not in use.
- Onsite storage of materials should be in a secure storage area.
- Warning signs should be posted limiting access and indicating the safety equipment to gain entry.
- All electrical cords that pass through pedestrian areas should be secured to avoid tripping.
- All new equipment should be tested and inspected when the work is completed, a sign-off from the customer should be taken when the job is completed.
- Keep records of all jobs, including plans, testing and approvals.
- Avoid overloading of electrical outlets, if your building is older, try and get the electrical updated to current building codes and standards, for e.g. upgrade from fuses to circuit breakers.
- Always use the services of professional, licensed contractors for any updates or upgrading jobs done in the premises.
- Ensure all lights, fire alarms, and exit signs are adequately maintained as per fire code.
- Maintain all necessary services like snow removal, clean floors, mats etc.
