Businesses in Michigan might never think that they will ever have to face personal injury claims. As a result, they are unprepared when it actually happens. A personal injury claim can cause a business to close down permanently since the damages can equate to millions of dollars.
If a person suffers from an injury and decides to get a top-caliber law firm such as The Clark Law Office located in Lansing, MI, because of negligence on the part of your business, then you have everything to lose. What can you do as a business owner to prevent this from happening? Here are some ways:
Get General Liability Insurance
Businesses, regardless of size or industry, have to have general liability insurance since it is one of the most effective ways to protect their company against personal injury claims. In the absence of this insurance, the business is at risk. Make sure to review your policy on an annual basis, so you familiarize yourself with all the inclusions.
Be Proactive Against Accidents
While having insurance against personal injury is good, prevention is still far better. That said, your business should have safety measures in place to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. For instance, the industry that your business is a part of makes your workplace a risk for spills. It would be best if you had warning and caution signs in place. You should also regularly conduct safety orientation and training for your employees, so they remain aware of the risks.
As a business owner, you should also make sure that your building’s integrity is periodically assessed. Check railings for loose screws and inspect the interior of the building for things that may pose a harm to your employees. Don’t forget about the facade of your structure. Make sure that your building does not have any falling debris that may harm pedestrians. Always carry out routine maintenance and get copies of inspection results. These inspection reports can cover you in case of an accident. Should the inspection reveal any need for repairs, carry them out as soon as possible. Negligence can result in expensive lawsuits, and nobody wants that.
Organization is Key
Make sure your workspace is free from clutter. While a pile of boxes seems innocent, it can cause you many headaches if somebody trips and gets seriously injured by them. Remember, a clean workplace is an accident-free workplace.
Train and Educate Your Workers
As mentioned earlier, it is a must to provide orientation and train your employees when it comes to workplace safety, especially if they have to handle high-powered equipment. In some cases, employees who also have to carry boxes have to know the proper ways of doing it to prevent occupational low back pain. It is best to adjust their training to the specific job and the most likely hazards they would encounter. When conducting catch-up meetings, always inquire about safety and health issues that employees are facing. Then, address them accordingly. Should there be an employee who files for a personal injury claim, you can lessen the burden by proving that your employees received the proper training and education to protect them against such injuries.
Manage an Accident Well
A business that cares for its employees is less likely to get sued. If an accident occurs, arm yourself with the proper knowledge on how you can manage the incident well. When an accident occurs, know where to get emergency help. Ask someone to record the event, including who was involved and their contact numbers. Make sure also to contact your attorney to advise you on what to do.
A negligent business often loses when it comes to personal injury compensation claims. If you don’t want this to happen to your business, then follow our advice and ensure a safe working environment.
