RISK MANAGEMENT

The ability of your business to quickly recover from an unexpected event is a priority we share. But we also want to help you protect your business now, before something happens. So you can focus on doing what you do best – running your business – without interruption. That’s why we put together this simple checklist of workplace safety tips to help you safeguard your business.​

Simple things you can do to keep things business as usual:

• Place portable fire extinguishers throughout the premises, and have them serviced and tagged annually
  
• Store combustibles far away from ignition sources such as stoves, electrical panels and light fixtures
  
• Have fire protection equipment such as sprinkler systems, fire alarms, and fixed extinguishers serviced and tagged on a regular basis
  
• Ensure that electrical repairs and upgrades are conducted by a licensed electrician
  
• Arrange for illuminated exit signs, emergency lighting and back-up power generating equipment to be inspected and tested on a regular basis
  
• Keep exits clear and accessible at all times, and make sure self-closing fire doors are always fully closed (not wedged open)
  
• Keep all indoor and outdoor walking surfaces smooth and even
  
• Conduct effective winter maintenance (snow shoveling, salting etc.) on your property as soon as possible, and keep a record of when duties are performed
• Install exterior lighting on your property as a way to deter break-and- enters
• Remove bushes, shrubs or other objects close to the perimeter of the building – they could be used to conceal potential intruders
• Always store sums of cash and valuables in a safe labeled with its burglary resistance rating
• Store duplicate computer information off-site; data kept on-site should be stored in a fire-resistive safe designed for the storage of electronic media
• Establish guidelines for employees who handle cash
• Stagger deposit times and visits to the bank
  
• Exercise key control and limit access to safe/vault combinations
  
• Develop procedures to be followed by employees during a robbery
  
• Conduct routine audits
  
• Do not place high-end or target merchandise in or near display windows
  
• Perform criminal checks on current and potential employees
  
• Maintain accurate and accessible inventory & equipment records