Autumn 2005 NEWSLETTER to clients of Knox Insurance Brokers Ltd. From Randy Bushey, A.I.I.C., General Manager	Close newsletter
	Print this newsletter

TOPIC: YOUR DEFENCE AGAINST A "SLIP AND FALL" CLAIM

As the temperatures drop, and fall turns into winter, our risk management thinking needs to address the seasonal issues brought on by Ontario's harsh winter. This is particularly true for those of us owning or occupying commercial property with parking lots and sidewalks.

We have observed an increase in frequency and severity of "slip and fall" incidents, which makes the ability to manage this risk even more important.

Exercising Due Diligence simply means doing what is reasonable to prevent a risk from becoming an incident. Our recommendation is to ensure that you have a strategy that incorporates the "Three P’s":

• Policy - your standard for when the conditions of ice and snow will be addressed.
• Procedures – your action to eliminate or reduce the risk through salting, sanding and removing ice or snow.
• Proof – your records to demonstrate that procedures as required by your policy were undertaken.

Although General Liability coverage is designed to respond to this type of claim, you are always further ahead to be able to demonstrate that you have managed risk diligently.

*this newsletter is adapted from an article appearing in the September 2005 issue of Insurance Law Update by the legal firm of Smith, Wowk.

Around the Clock…Around the World…Around the Corner