How you can safeguard against common commercial risks.

As a business owner, you understand that you are subject to certain risks.  Because certain threats are more common than others, it's important to safeguard against these risks.  Here's what you can do to prevent common types of loss and liability events at your business. Burglary and Theft

• Install a security system- Installing burglar alarms and surveillance cameras can reduce the chances of your business being targeted for theft.
• Illuminate your business- Burglars prefer to work under the cover of darkness. By installing bright lights outside of your business, you can deter all but the boldest thieves.
• Encourage anonymous reporting- Oftentimes, businesses are robbed by their own employees. By encouraging staff members to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior and setting up a system for anonymous reporting, you can catch and fire employees who are defrauding your company.

Fire

• Install fire mitigation measures- Installing connected smoke alarms and a central sprinkler system can alert you to fire risks and keep fire damage to a minimum.
• Have fire extinguishers throughout the premises- You should keep fire extinguishers within easy reach, so employees can quickly respond to a fire risk as soon as one breaks out.
• Educate staff- If your company uses equipment or handles processes involving fire, then you should ensure that all staff members receive intensive safety training. When your staff knows how to safely operate equipment and mitigate fire risks, you can prevent a major fire incident at your place of business.

Slip- and-Fall Injuries

• Clear walkways- To reduce the chances of employees or customers tripping and injuring themselves on your business's property, you should make sure that hallways and walkways are clear of clutter and other tripping hazards.
• Install proper lighting- Dim lighting can cause an employee or customer to miss a fall risk. Installing bright lights throughout your business's property can help you avoid this risk.
• Clean up spills and fix leaks- If you have a leaky faucet or if there is a spill in a business common area, then make sure you address these issues right away. This will ensure that employees and customers don't slip and injure themselves.

Employment Practices Liability Issues

• Train supervisors and managers- Everyone in a supervisory or management position should receive training on how to treat the employees working under them. This training should include appropriate modes of communication, how to handle employee complaints, and how to respectfully conduct themselves in a professional setting.
• Plan for interviews- Before interviewing a potential candidate, you should check that none of your interview questions constitute discrimination or compromise the rights of protected classes.

These are some of the precautions that you should take to avoid some of the most common small business risks.  Remember, having the right commercial coverage is another way to keep your business safe.  For assistance with all your business insurance needs, contact the experts at Weeks & Associates Insurance Services in Thousand Oaks, California, today.