The restaurant industry is fast-paced and challenging, yet comes with many inherent risks unique to the business. Unforeseen accidents happen all the time and when they do, you, as the restaurant owner, need to be prepared. Being diligent in safety concerns and practices won’t prevent incidents from happening; however, being aware of the most common restaurant insurance claims and how to minimize the risks are essential.
Below Are Typical Insurance Claims Restaurants Face, but Not Limited to:
Foodborne Illness- Running a restaurant means making sure your food is fresh and not contaminated. Experiencing an outbreak of foodborne illness can be financial devastating, not to mention the impact it could have on your business reputation. To minimize the likelihood of this happening in your kitchen, make sure you follow these tips:
- Adhere to proper cooking temperatures
- Utilize reputable food suppliers- Find a supplier who takes fresh food handling practices as seriously as you do.
- Enforce strict hygiene practices- Make sure your employees are properly washing their hands after using the bathroom and when handling food.
- Enforce proper food storage- Make sure your food is stored at the proper temperatures.
- Consider product liability insurance
Kitchen Fires- Kitchen fires happen all the time in restaurant kitchens, but you can minimize the risks of a fire happening and destroying your restaurant property. To reduce the likelihood of a kitchen fire, follow these guidelines:
- Educate staff on fire safety- Routinely having fire drills is key, along with regularly training on safety procedures and proper handling of the fire equipment.
- Routinely clean ovens, stove tops, hoods, filters, and countertops– Grease build up is one of the main causes of a fire in the kitchen.
- Ensure you have adequate property insurance protection
- Regularly inspect all fire extinguishing equipment
Mechanical Equipment Failure- Restaurants rely heavily on their equipment such as ovens, refrigeration units, and cooktops, so when something breaks down, it could interrupt your business operations and lead to a loss of money. To mitigate this scenario from happening, follow these tips:
- Have backup equipment
- Routinely inspect all equipment and address any issues
- Consider business interruption insurance
Slip and Fall Injuries- Uncleaned spills, slick flooring, rugs, and uneven surfaces can lead to slip and fall accidents. Not only can these be costly but could lead to lawsuits. To prevent slip and fall accidents, it is recommended you do the following:
- Address spills immediately and put up proper signage to alert customers
- Conduct routine inspections of flooring areas and address any issues
- Have adequate general liability limits on your restaurant insurance policy
- Train employees on accident prevention and first aid
Injuries During the Scope of Business- You are responsible in keeping your staff safe while working; however, your employees are exposed to certain inherent risks. For example, lifting heavy objects or boxes can result in a back injury. To minimize the risks of employees getting injured, it is recommended you do the following:
- Maintain adequate workers’ compensation insurance to protect your employees and your business
- Perform regular employee training on safety at the workplace
- Provide safety equipment to minimize injury at the workplace
Cameron Group Insurance is here to assess all your N.Y. restaurant business insurance needs so when the unforeseen accident does happen, you will have the peace of mind knowing you have the right insurance protection in place. Don’t wait! Call us today at 845-627-2130.
