How to Minimise Risk for your Business Premises

Premises risk management - why you should take a close look at your premises and the areas that could cause you financial, legal and operational concern.
Very few workplaces stay the same for long; alterations and extensions are made, new equipment, materials and processes are introduced – all of which could potentially lead to hazardous situations which could put you and your business at risk.
So it makes sound operational, and ultimately financial sense, to review your premises and business operations on an ongoing basis.
At BiB we understand that if are busy running a business it is all too easy to forget about reviewing your risk assessment – until something has gone wrong and it is too late. We therefore recommend that you take a thorough look at your operations to make sure that you are not exposing yourself to unnecessary risk.
There are five main steps to ensure that you can effectively manage the risks to your premises:

• Step 1: identify the hazards.


• Step 2: decide who is at risk.


• Step 3: assess the risk and existing control measures.


• Step 4: record your findings.


• Step 5: monitor and review.

To give you some guidance on premises risk management we have put together an outline of the main areas you should take into consideration in order to reduce your exposure to risk.

What you should consider?

We would recommend that you carry out a thorough examination of your buildings and working environment, examining all potential areas which may expose you to significant risk. This will give you
a clear evaluation of your property so that you can:

• Assess your company’s overall exposure to legislation non-compliance.


• Identify the areas in most need of attention.


• Evaluate the scale of risk.


• Ensure you have the required certifications in place.

Some important areas you need to consider when assessing your exposure to risk are:

• Structural checks: roofs, tiles, brickwork etc.


• External repair responsibility.


• External maintenance responsibility.


• Internal maintenance and housekeeping standard.


• Hazardous construction materials such as asbestos.


• Processes which may increase fire risk.


• Fire certifications.


• Automatic Fire detection systems.


• Fire prevention systems maintenance.


• Smoking areas and associated risk.


• Portable electrical appliances testing procedure.


• Plumbing and electrical installation checks for safety and integrity.


• Flooding risks.


• Flood warning and prevention systems.


• Heating methods and any risk attached.


• Heating system: age, standard, maintenance cover.


• Special winter checks.


• Adverse neighbor impact on your business.

Looking at all these areas in a well-planned and detailed manner will identify your level of exposure to risk enabling you to then develop an organised, cost-effective risk management plan. All of which puts you in greater control of your profitability and productivity.

What should I do now?

If you would like to find out more about managing the risks associated with your premises, then please call us on 01325 353888 and we will be happy to discuss this important issue with you in greater detail. Alternatively please email us on webenq@bibinsurance.co.uk