Accidents happen all the time in the landscaping industry. Most are fairly routine and don’t impact your business. Something as simple as a stone flung from a mower into a piece of siding is an example. Regardless of the nature of the accident, how you and your staff respond can make all the difference in the success and reputation of your business. As a business owner, it’s up to you to clearly communicate the nature of the accident to the property owner on a timely basis. Being up front and proactive will speak volumes to your clients.
Property damage liability can be a substantial risk for landscapers. Sometimes more disastrous accidents occur that can negatively impact your business and the livelihoods of you and your crew. Recently, a homeowner hired a local landscaper to renovate his landscaping. The project included the removal and replacement of numerous tries on the homeowner’s property. When they were excavating the holes for the new trees, they cut into the sprinkler system, which damaged the sprinkler system and allowed water to enter the basement, causing significant water damage inside the home. In this real life example, the landscaping owner carried property damage insurance and was able make a claim for the repair of the client’s sprinkler system and basement. Unfortunately, there are too many other examples where this type of coverage wasn’t in place and businesses were hurt financially or forced to close as a result of punishing out-of-pocket expenses to repair the customer’s property. Additionally, reputations were ruined which severely impacted new business.
This is just one of many examples illustrating the financial liability you face when accidents occur. Our small business risk experts recommend a 2-pronged approach to protecting your business. The first is to do what you can to avoid accidents: Prepare, be aware and maintain safety protocols for every job. Here are some helpful tips:
- Do a quick walk through of the property where mowing will be performed to clear debris and inspect for other potential concerns
- Prior to snowfall, pre-inspect areas where snowplowing will be performed to notate hydrants, trees and curbs
- Clean-up tools and debris from projects each time you leave the jobsite
- Maintain a neat and orderly jobsite while working
- Clearly mark open holes and dangerous areas with caution tape and signage
- Take photos of the jobsite before, during and after your project is complete, including your signage
- Properly train your staff in safety protocols; set up guidelines for your crew on how to notify you immediately of any accidents regardless of their size
- Train your staff of be continuously aware of their surroundings
Second, make sure you have property damage insurance to protect you from these types of financial risks, allowing your business to carry on after costly accidents. Property damage insurance can cover harm to an automobile, fence, tree, home, pool or any other dwelling on someone’s property. While some property insurance packages may include property damage, it’s usually limited and not enough to protect you when a major accident occurs.