Why Businesses Are More Vulnerable to Insurance Claims in the Summer
Seasonal risks to your business are often overlooked and you will certainly feel the heat if your business insurance policies don’t cover you for the perils of summer!
Heat Stress
During the period of 1992-2006, NIOSH, The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health conducted a study that concluded “During this 15-year period, 423 workers in agricultural and nonagricultural industries were reported to have died from exposure to environmental heat.” Occupational fatality related to heat stress can be avoided and employers should ensure that all employees are trained to recognize the first symptoms indicating these complications. Problems such as heat stroke and heat rash are all labelled heat stress injuries. Employees should be given regular breaks and appropriate hydration to avoid these. Working hours should also be adjusted in accordance with environmental extremes. You should still insure you have the correct business insurance policies in place to cover any claims made due to accident or occupational hazards.
Indoor Air Quality
Hot summers mean air conditioning in the office. Air conditioning units must be serviced and maintained to an appropriate standard to ensure that the office air quality is not compromised - outdated filters or standing water can result in contaminants being spread around the office. This coupled with allergens such as pollen can cause serious respiratory problems. Ensure you have fully serviced HVAC units with regularly changed filters to avoid any employers’ liability claims.
Learn more about small business insurance and employers’ liability insurance for your business.
