Every Ohio business owner needs to understand premises liability, the responsibility of an organization and its leadership to people who come onto the property. Accidents happen, of course. When winter hits, snow and ice are the norm, creating dangerous sidewalks and entryways. In the summer, heavy rain can have your customers trudging water in with dripping umbrellas and wet shoes.
What are the most important aspects of premises liability and how can you – whether you are the executive of an international organization or the owner of a small, local shop – navigate premises liability?
The basics of premises liability
An article in Forbes addresses the basics:
- Property owners bear the heaviest liability burden, but landlords are not exempt.
- Slip-and-fall accidents are the “best-known instances of premises liability.”
- A judge may find you liable for any injury that happens on your property if you could have prevented it.
The article also emphasizes premises liability cases put the reputation of your business at stake, so it is worthwhile to do everything in your power to prevent accidents from happening on your property, if at all possible.
In addition to investing in commercial general liability insurance, according to Forbes, there are some other things you can do to set yourself and your business up for safety on your premises.
The necessity of creating a culture of safety
Creating a culture for safety is a good place to start. Be sure your employees understand how to spot potentially hazardous situations and train them to report those immediately. It seems easier to let things go sometimes. Maybe the cost is more than you would like to invest or you feel like you cannot spare the time for repairs. The truth is, the price of repairs – in time and money – could save the future of your business, so do not put off making your property safe.
If a dangerous condition exists that is impossible to repair immediately, warn customers and colleagues about it with “conspicuous warning signs.”
This information is not legal advice but seeks only to inform about premises liability.