5 Forms of General Liability Risks and How to Prevent Them
Business owners face general liability risks in their daily operations and must understand how to counter them. Liability hazards are a top priority. Even if you have general liability coverage already, you may not understand your company’s most significant risks.
General Liability Risks to Understand
Learn all about the most common risk factors and mitigation tips to help protect your business.
Slip and Fall Injuries Cause General Liability Claims
Slip and fall injuries are widespread liability issues for business owners. Customers and vendors on your property can face slip and fall risks from wet, slippery floors and unattended trip hazards. Slip and fall injuries can be significant, especially if the victim hits their head. It leads to costly claims on your general liability insurance.
Mitigate these risks with proactive, attentive care to your floors and work environment. Teach employees to monitor for and recognize slip hazards right away. Encourage immediate cleanup of spills and puddles. Add some non-slip rugs to your walking areas to minimize slippery areas.
Third-Party Property Damage Leads To General Liability Issues
For businesses with employees working on customer sites, such as construction, landscaping, and even utility installation, damage to a customer’s property is problematic. When an employee damages someone else’s property while doing business for the company, that creates a liability risk.
Ensure that your staff knows the importance of self-awareness. Encourage cautious, responsible behavior and ask customers for reviews of employee performance so that you can address potential risk factors before they lead to damage claims.
Advertising Injuries Are General Liability Risks
Your company’s marketing campaigns, social media messages, and public statements put you at risk of liability claims if something you say harms another person’s reputation. For example, any implications against the competition could lead to a liability claim if it affects their business.
Exercise caution with anything you say about any other business or any potential implication your comments may create. Avoid saying beyond simple, factual statements, and opt to say nothing when possible to protect your company.
Liquor Liability Is an Often-Overlooked General Liability Risk
Even companies not manufacturing or selling alcohol can face liquor liability claims. An accident following a company party or celebration could expose the company to a liquor liability claim if the employee drinks alcohol at the company event.
Product Defects Create General Liability Exposures
Companies that manufacture or sell products take a level of liability risk regarding the safety and proper manufacturing of those products. Any injuries or losses resulting from a product defect are a liability risk for the business. Likewise, depending on the severity of the injury, it could cause devastating financial losses. Establish strict quality assurance protocols, set high standards for your business, and encourage product testing, feedback, and open communication with customers to reduce the risk of claims.
Understanding your company’s exposure is the first step toward preventing general liability risks. Every business owner should carry sufficient general liability coverage for those potential risks and take every possible step to protect the company from claims.
About Byrnes Agency
At Byrnes Agency, we offer insurance solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for personal policies or commercial coverage, we have the right coverage for you. To learn more about our products, contact us today at one of our two locations.
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Phone: (860) 774-8549
394 Lake Rd
Dayville, CT 06241
United States
info@byrnesagency.com
Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
Phone: (860) 886-5498
6 Consumers Avenue
Norwich, CT 06360
United States
info@byrnesagency.com
Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 9:00am-5:00pm
Tags: Byrnes Agency, general liability, General Liability Coverage