As we say goodbye to those sunny summer days and hello to fresh, frosty mornings, the change in seasons is a prime time to make sure your business premises is prepared for the wetter and cooler weather ahead. Following these simple tips can help make your business safer for the cooler seasons.
1. Turn it up
While the temperature drops outside the need for heating starts to rise. If your building is fitted with heating devices such as radiators, air conditioners or a fireplace, it is important to check them over before you start firing them up.
If they have been out of action over the summer months make sure you check for leaks, cracks and any built–up dust that may affect the functioning of the system. For fireplaces check your flue for any obstructions and make sure that it is cleaned and cleared.
Machinery Breakdown cover for air conditioners and heaters, is a wise investment, covering the costs of repairing or replacing insured machinery following a breakdown or motor burn out, so you’re not left out in the cold.
2. Gutters and Roofs
Autumn, the season of falling leaves and a good reason why you should check your gutters and pipes, clearing them of any blockages. This helps minimise the damage caused if your building was to experience heavy rainfall or storm. Checking your roof for any loose or cracked tiles is another way to prevent excess damage from rain and storms.
3. Darker Days and Nights
As the days get shorter and the nights longer, the opportunity for burglars lurking around your premises becomes an unwanted risk, however, there are a few precautionary steps you can take to help prevent the chance of a break and enter occurring:
- Increase lighting around your business building with sensor lights
- Make sure all the locks and dead-bolts are working, and make sure staff are vigilant when it comes to locking up
- If you have alarms, make sure they are all working and properly armed. If you have a back to base security system make sure all the contact details are to date and staff are aware of where they can find these details
4. Slips and trips
Keeping on top of the general maintenance of your building helps prevent potential hazards and accidents from occurring and causing injury to a third party.
Checking external paths are evenly paved, and items aren’t left out causing a hazard for someone to trip over could save you from facing a costly claim. During the rainy periods if there are areas that become slippery, make sure you place out signs to advise people to take care when walking in these areas.
Having Public Liability insurance is one of the vital safeguards for your business, protecting you from claims from third-parties for accidental injury or damage to their property. It’s comfort no hot chocolate ever provide.
5. Are you covered enough? (and not we’re not talking about your blanket)
It doesn’t take long to review your insurance policy and assess the cover you have or potentially need. In the world of business, things can change in the blink of an eye, and that’s why making sure your insurance is covering you for the right things, with adequate levels of cover should be a regular part of your business plan.
If there have been renovations on your building, additional extensions, etc you need to update your policy to increase your cover, ensuring you have enough cover in place if something were to go wrong. Yes, your policy might rise by a few extra dollars per month, but it may save you thousands or even hundreds of thousands down the track.
Not sure where to start? Help is only a phone call or a few clicks away to our friendly BizCover team of insurance experts waiting to talk all things insurance to get your business covered with the right insurance policies.
