Mission Statement

"Our mission is to create peace of mind and build enduring relationships."

Bob Lancaster Insurance's mission statement is the core of our culture. Our customers always come first, and we strive to provide them with the products and service that best respond to their needs. Building trust and fostering loyal, long-lasting relationships are the essence of who we are and fundamental parts of our company values.

Putting our mission statement to work

Our employees work hard to connect with our customers on a very real and personal level. Find out what Bob Lancaster’s mission means to them and how they carry it out every day.

Bob Lancaster Insurance, serving Florida's insurance needs since 1964. Contact us today at 321-725-1620 - see what we can do for YOU and YOUR BUSINESS!

Thursday, October 27, 2016

Are Your Community Association’s Crime Policy Limits Really Enough?

Image - Crime Money
In a blog post we touched upon Employee Dishonesty insurance – “protection for your money when it’s stolen by an employee.” Now we’ll take a closer look at the impact of employee theft on community associations, and how the limits on a Crime policy for many associations may come up short.

Let’s first consider the types of employee-theft related cases community associations throughout the country face. There are countless of cases involving fraudulent activities that include the theft of cash receipts; under-the-table payments, bribes or kickbacks from vendors; check tampering; creating and paying fictitious vendors; creating inflated or phony expense vouchers; paying non-existent employees; lapping – the manipulation of accounts receivable to steal cash; and personal credit card usage by employees, among others. Now, look at whether you have the right Crime insurance limits in place to cover the costs of employee theft.

Typically, limits on a Crime policy are determined using the following standard calculation: 3 x monthly assessment + operating fund + reserve fund. Oftentimes, however, this limit has been inadequate. In fact, loss history tells us that nearly a quarter of associations are under-insured when it comes to Crime insurance.

There are a couple of reasons for that:
  • Some association and/or agents simply renew, renew, and renew their crime policies with the same limits, year after year.
  • The typical loss scenario is not just a one-time event, but instead a theft tends to play out over months or even years. In some cases, we have seen incidents that took place over seven years!
For example, one association treasurer had been writing monthly checks to a third party who was not actually performing any work. The third party looked like a landscaping company to everyone else, but it was actually an LLC the treasurer established. The association and broker bought a Crime policy with limits using the standard calculation, but after three years of the theft, this amount was not sufficient enough to cover the loss.

Another area that community associations should consider is ensuring that their Employee Dishonesty coverage extends to property managers and management companies, as many losses often stem from property managers.

Community associations should also implement a monthly review of bank statements received directly from the bank (typically received in the form of an email). This in fact is one of our requirements. Loss history shows that a common tool for employee theft is doctoring bank statements. For example, an employee of a property management company will receive a bank statement, make alterations to cover his or her tracks, and pass it along to the association treasurer who thinks everything is above board in their review. Having the bank statement come directly to the association treasurer eliminates this potential risk.

Many other internal controls should be put into place to prevent and detect fraud before it escalates. This involves verifying that the account number on the back of all returned checks matches the association’s account and conducting monthly reviews of the bookkeeping with the property manager, including any credit card statements. It’s also important to ensure the independence of your association’s accounting firm by putting the selection process to a vote by the board as opposed to having the property manager choose the firm. Associations should also consider requiring two board members to sign all association checks.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Tuesday, October 25, 2016

The Very Real Costs of Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment Complaint Document
It’s not something that only happens in other industries. If you’re reading this blog, it’s likely prevalent in yours. Mild or severe, sexual harassment in the workplace happens, and companies are paying the price. In 2015, $46 million was paid to victims in the nearly 7,000 lawsuits that were filed, according to the EEOC.
In August and September of this year alone, the nation has seen hotels and restaurants settle lawsuits like the $1.4 million paid to a victim in Ohio, $200K in Maryland, and $81K in North Carolina, just to name a few.
According to AWARE (Association of Women for Action and Research,) the industries with high levels of sexual harassment include business, finance, and hospitality.
Your company may not have any recent complaints about sexual harassment. But trusting in silence is a risk. The best way to deal with sexual harassment in the workplace is to prevent it before it happens. And when and if it does happen, correct it promptly.

Prevent and Correct
This should be your company’s mantra when it comes to sexual harassment. Managers, that’s you! Managers are needed to identify it when it happens, investigate the heck out of it, and lay the hammer down when taking corrective measures and enforcing company policy.
  • Schedule a training refresher for managers. Federal law advises periodic training, but some states require it. In California, managers are required to complete two hours of sexual harassment training every two years. Here’s a quick link to state-by-state training requirements.
  • Distribute a company-wide e-mail and a printed handout that explains the company’s policy on sexual harassment. Make it an annual event along with other yearly to-do’s.
  • As an employer, convey the message that it’s important that everyone is respected and that the company is there to offer solutions if a violation occurs.
Flesh Out Company Policy- The EEOC offers free outreach assistance.
It’s not enough to just have a policy – it needs to be communicated and issues need to be addressed.
  • Does your company have a policy written out and easily accessible by staff?
  • Is it clear that the company is committed to preventing sexual harassment?
  • Does the policy state what the penalties will be for violations?
  • Make sure the policy identifies who employees should report concerns to.
In the end, we all want our colleagues to feel safe and respected, and we want our businesses to flourish. Making sexual harassment prevention a priority can make you a champion of both.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Thursday, October 20, 2016

Insurance Made Easy- Employee Dishonesty and Crime

Some people just call it “Crime.” But the applications ask you about “Employee Dishonesty” limits. So which is it?!?!

It’s both. (We apologize if you thought we were going to just pick one.) They are  similar, which is why folks tend to interchange them. But they have some key differences when push comes to shove.
The biggest thing that they have in common is that they protect number 1: Your money. When you think of this coverage, just imagine that it’s insurance for your money. If the money is gone, the insurance puts it back. It’s insurance for your money. Fidelity bonds, crime insurance, and employee dishonesty don’t protect you… they replace your money if it’s taken from you.

The differences between them really amounts to “protection for your money when it’s stolen by…blank.”

For employee dishonesty, it’s pretty simple: “protection for your money when it’s stolen by an employee.” We can get in to all of the “who is an employee,” and “by what means did they steal the money,” but that really varies by policy. But the main idea is that it protects your money from an employee theft. Karen writes checks to pay vendors that don’t exist, Timmy pays himself triple his own salary… that kind of stuff. Employees steal money, employee dishonesty replaces money.

Crime insurance usually refers “protection for your money when it’s stolen by someone who’s not your employee.” Like a masked bandit, or a kid that steals your stack of paychecks,… something like that. Those peeps don’t work for you, and they take your money. This insurance replaces the stolen money. The new kinda coverage here (like the last 20 years new, not really new,) is computer or electronic theft… aka… hacking. But remember, it only replaces stolen money. It doesn’t usually kick in for data breaches and that kind of stuff. (You need Cyber Liability for that.) Crime insurance is only for stolen money.



Elaine, our Community Association Program Expert wants you to know that our Employee Dishonesty and Crime Coverages are awesome. Oh, and she’s really quite the crime nerd. In her own words:
I LOVE CRIME [Insurance.] I breathe it. I annoy my husband with stories about it. I have alerts on my news feeds for it. I would pursue a PHD if they offered one in Crime. We make it easy. 
Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Lax Security Results in Tragedy, Hits Bottom Line for Apartment Owners

Photo - 10mm judgement
A $10 million verdict was not what the owners of an apartment complex in Clayton County, Georgia expected to hear in connection with a 2015 shooting death of one of its residents. But that’s exactly the amount the jury rendered after it was convinced by the victim’s lawyer that the owners of the complex were lax when it came to security. The shooting during an apparent robbery took the life of a father of three who was returning home from going to the store. The award some speculate was that large because of a previous shooting that took place in 2013 at the same complex that killed a 13-year-old boy.

The complex is situated in an area known for crime. In fact, between 2010 and 2015 there were 51 robberies and seven aggravated assaults with weapons in the area, the majority of which took place at the complex across the street – also owned by the same company where both deaths occurred. In light of the high crime area, the victim’s lawyer claimed that the property owner did not step up security measures and only had an unarmed courtesy officer making the rounds twice daily. The owner’s attorney, of course, said the award was way too high, and “should have been a $2 million case.” He said there were “only two crimes following the death of the 13-year-old boy” at the complex where the father was killed.  He is filing a motion for a new trial for the judge to reconsider the verdict.

This case, while putting the spotlight on a horrible crime and potential liability consequences facing property owners, is not isolated when it comes to criminal activity that takes place at apartment complexes – no matter the location. An article in the LA Times highlighted the high incidence of criminal activity occurring in the downtown area at luxury apartments that attract college students who can afford to pay higher rent. One building was the target of 73 serious crimes, including 31 burglaries and 22 thefts from cars. However, a nearby residential building paints a different picture – only three serious crimes were reported for the same year. Police attribute this lower rate of criminal activity to a better overall security approach by the property owner and a good working relationship with the cops.

The importance of strong security for property owners can’t be emphasized enough. It is not only critical to have the proper measures in place but to also work with local police department to help deter criminal activity in the area. Here are some helpful recommendations when looking at security measures at an apartment complex:
  • Review Security Systems: Security devices can include cameras, lighting, locks on common area entrances, and other equipment. Be sure that your cameras are in proper working order and that they cover common areas. All gates should be locked and all light bulbs should be bright. Work with a security company to ramp up measures, particularly if the property is vulnerable to criminal activity.
  •  Educate the Residents: Help residents by posting security tips around the complex. Encourage that they report suspicious activity. Establish a comprehensive crime prevention program that includes a community watch program.
  • Identify Staff: Make sure that the staff uses IDs. Burglaries often happen because the residents believe thieves to be staff, so have staff carry their IDs at all times and wear the same uniforms. Let tenants know it’s okay to ask to see proof of identification before they let a staff member enter their premises.
Negligent-security lawsuits are obviously costly for apartment owners – not only in the potential damages that can be rendered but also in attracting and retaining tenants. Implementing strong security measures and remaining active in keeping those measures in sync with what is going in the community is the responsibility of an owner to keep its residents safe.

Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
Bob Lancaster Insurance

Serving Florida since 1964

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Some other storm-related insurance issues to consider



There's a storm on the way. Chances are you're thinking about your insurance coverage.
You've probably already brushed up on the basics. You know the difference between wind and flood insurance. You know you need to take a detailed inventory, with photos or video, of your valuables in case you have to file a claim.
You know to protect your insurance policies and other important financial documents and have them ready to take with you in case you have to evacuate.
Here are a few hurricane-related insurance issues you might not have known about:
Claims can be reduced for failure to install hurricane shutters.If you don't have storm-rated impact glass throughout your home, you should have hurricane shutters and the means to install them over all of your openings. Having shutters qualified you for an insurance discount, and not using those shutters during a storm can result in a reduction of your claims benefit if your house is damaged, according to Citizens Property Insurance Co.
Generally, insurance companies won't reduce a claim settlement for failure to install shutters, says Robert Norberg, of Arden Insurance Associates, although "they can reduce the claim by the amount of your discount."
You might not be covered if your swimming pool floods your house. Flooding from an overflowing swimming pool will not be covered by flood insurance unless it's part of a larger inundation that also floods an adjoining property.
"If the pool water just come over the edge and comes in through your sliding glass door, you have a problem," Norberg says. "That's why people advise to drain the pool half a foot before the storm so you'll have room for the additional water." And be ready to turn on your pump.
Your insurance company will cover damage from your neighbor's fallen tree: Generally everyone's policy covers damages to their own homes, regardless of the source of damage. That means you don't file a claim against your neighbor's policy when his tree falls on your house. And he won't come after yours when your lawn chair flies through his window. The exception? If either of you can prove the other was repeatedly asked to fix the situation but refused. "Then it becomes negligence," Norberg says. He has seen small claims suits filed because the victim didn't want to pay the deductible — but few resort to such measures against their neighbors.
Damage related to illegally back-fed power won't be covered.During the prolonged power outages associated with all of the hurricanes that struck Florida a decade ago, gasoline powered generators flew out of the big box stores. Some people learned they could eliminate the spaghetti cluster of extension cords by connecting a single 220v cord to the power outlet normally used for their clothes dryer.
This can work, experts say, but some people forget to first shut off the main breaker that feeds the utility's power into their house, and severe damage can result when they're using their generator and the utility power resumes. That's why "back feeding" in this manner is against code, and any damage won't be covered. If you want to set up your house correctly, have an electrician install a transfer switch that guarantees that main power and generator power won't be fed into your wiring simultaneously.
Put the car in the garage. If you have a car, keeping it in the garage won't affect how it's covered. Some may have heard advice to keep the car parked outside to ensure coverage under the auto insurance policy and avoid the need to file a claim against the homeowner's policy if it sustains damage while parked in the garage. That's a myth. Your car is your car and covered by its own policy, no matter where it's parked when damaged, said Lynne McChristian, Florida representative of Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group. Boats, trucks and motorcycles are also covered by their own policies, although toys like ATVs and scooters usually would be covered under the homeowner's policy.
Think about extra coverage. Homeowners should check their policies for two types of coverage to ensure they'll be able to rebuild without digging into their own pockets. Review a section called building ordinance or law coverage, which covers costs of rebuilding to codes that might have been revised or strengthened since the house was originally built. The other is an inflation guard endorsement, which covers you if widespread destruction drives up costs of labor and materials.
"It's tied to supply and demand," McChristian said.
You probably have time to change your policy. Until the National Weather Service issues an official hurricane warning, you can usually make changes to your homeowner insurance policy, McChristian said. Many companies will sell new insurance policies even if a storm is churning out there and your home is in the cone of uncertainty. That's not true of flood insurance, which requires a 30-day wait period no matter when it's purchased.
                                         Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620 
                                                                       Bob Lancaster Insurance
                                                                     Serving Florida since 1964

Monday, October 3, 2016

Prevention of Slips and Falls


Slips and Falls – Walking Surfaces

When asked what type of accident is the leading cause of injury, most people would probably answer car accidents. However, the real answer is that slips and falls occur the most in our everyday lives. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that accidental falls account for the most hospital visits each year. Falls are the leading cause of unintentional death for individuals 65 and older, with 11,000 deaths occurring annually. However, Bob Lancaster Insurance sees falls across all age groups at facilities insured by the agency.
Facilities are at high risk simply because of the large volume of people who frequent the facility on a daily basis. With this large volume of traffic, properly maintaining the facility’s walking surfaces is essential in helping to prevent slips and falls. This fact sheet will address the various safety issues associated with the different types of walking surfaces, including sidewalks, parking lots and driveways, entrances and exits, interior flooring surfaces, lighting, and other walking surface hazards.

Sidewalks

Due to the number of people coming and going to various functions on a daily basis, sidewalk maintenance is crucial in preventing slip and fall injuries. Many organizations underestimate how common, severe, and costly falls can be, so it’s important to become proactive instead of reactive in preventing slips and falls. Regular periodic inspections of sidewalks should be conducted, and any substandard conditions corrected as soon as possible. When doing an inspection, consider the following items.
Uneven Sidewalk
This photo illustrates severe trip hazards due to the uneven walking surface.
Tree in Sidewalk
This photo illustrated severe trip hazards due to the uneven walking surface caused by the tree roots.
  • Sidewalks should be in good condition and free of cracks or potholes. If cracks in sidewalks are greater than ¼ inch, this can create a trip hazard because it is unexpected. Use a measuring stick, or four pennies stacked on top of each other will equal ¼ inch. If these variances are found, repairs should be made.
  • Surfaces should be free from gravel, rocks, and mud.
  • Sidewalks that have depressions in the walking surface can trap water and mud, creating slip hazards. These areas should be repaired.
  • Items placed in the path of travel, such as trash cans and garden planters, should be removed.
  • Landscaping that is planted too close to sidewalks should be kept pruned. If unchecked, the vegetation can overtake the sidewalk, creating trip and fall hazards.
  • Tree roots can cause sidewalks to heave and buckle causing serious trip and fall hazards. These areas should be identified and corrected.
  • If construction operations create an alternate route, these walking surfaces should not create additional trip and fall hazards. Also, pedestrians should not be allowed to walk through areas under construction.
  • Inadequate patching to sidewalks can create trip and fall hazards from raised/lowered edges, depressions and changes to the surface texture. These areas also should be closely watched.

Parking Lots and Driveways

Due to the large number of people attending various functions, facilities will often have large parking lots to handle the influx of people. However, over time, parking lots can become a real liability hazard for slips and falls if items in the parking lot like potholes, speed bumps, and curbs are not properly maintained.
Regular periodic inspections of parking lots should be conducted and any substandard conditions corrected as soon as possible. When doing an inspection, consider the following items.
Tire Stop
This photo illustrates a severe trip hazard due to the exposed re-bar from the deteriorated tire stop.
  • Parking lot surfaces are similar to sidewalks and should be in good condition and free of cracks or potholes. Also, snow plows can cause damage. The ¼ inch variance in walking surface should be followed here as well.
  • Surfaces should be free from debris and slippery material, such as rocks, mud and sand.
  • Tire stops are a potential tripping hazard. These require maintenance and are exposed to damage from snowplows and vehicles. If tire stops are present, follow these guidelines:
    • They should not be taller than 6.5 inches and there should be at least three feet between wheel stops.
    • Tire stops should not extend beyond the width of the wheels.
    • They should be marked with a contrasting color, such as yellow.
    • Reinforcing rods used to anchor the stops should be level with the top of the stop and not extend above the surface.
  • Speed bumps used to slow the speed of vehicles also present a tripping hazard. These are usually constructed of asphalt and will break down quicker from being exposed to the weather and vehicles driving over them. This will compound the slip and fall exposure. If speed bumps are installed, the following guidelines should apply.
    • They should NOT be installed next to natural pedestrian walkways (sidewalks, ramps, etc.), exit or entrance areas.
    • They should be marked with a contrasting color so as not to blend in with the parking lot surface.
    • Make sure that areas around speed bumps are adequately lit so that they do not become a tripping hazard in the dark.
    • “Speed Bump” signs should be installed to give warning of their presence.

Curbing

Curb Marking
This photo illustrates good marking of the sidewalk and parking lot variances with yellow paint.
  • Curbs should be six inches high. If this is not maintained, due to settling or design, this can create an unforeseen trip hazard.
  • Curbs leading to entrances and sidewalks should be painted a contrasting color, such as yellow, white, or red.
  • Curb cutouts that are installed to provide handicapped access also should be marked with contrasting paint, and grit should be added to the paint to create surface roughness.

Entrances and Exits

Entrance and exit areas should receive special attention for controlling slips and falls. Due to heavy foot traffic at these areas, the floor surface over time becomes smooth and will have less traction. Dirt and water deposits commonly tracked in from the outside will be higher in these areas and make the floor more susceptible to slips and falls.
The following items should be considered when choosing, installing and maintaining any interior flooring:
  • Identify areas that show a high level of smoothness and other defects. Changes in surface floor types also should be identified. This is important, as the person would encounter an unexpected condition (rough to smooth), increasing the chances for a fall. Ideally, the floor surfaces should be consistent.
  • Doors should open and shut smoothly with appropriate door closing mechanisms so that, upon closing or opening, there is no risk of people being knocked over.
  • The door sill should be flush with the floor. If not, the change in elevation between the two should be no more than ¾ of an inch.
  • If there is a threshold installed, the edges should be sloped, have a non-slip surface and be adequately secured to the floor.
  • Having umbrella stands available next to entrances will help keep water from dripping off umbrellas onto the floor.
    Grate System
    This photo shows an excellent grate system with a catch basin that is built into the flooring.
  • With the potential for ice, snow, mud, etc. to be present at entrances, these areas should be designed to minimize the slip and fall potential.
  • The best design consists of a grate system with a catch basin (shown on the right), which is installed at high traffic areas to effectively remove moisture from footwear. If a grate system is not feasible, mats should be installed.
    • The following guidelines should be followed concerning mats:
      • Floor mats and/or runners should be installed where the floor surface is not slip resistant.
      • Floor mats specifically designed for removal of dust, dirt and moisture at building entrances and other appropriate locations should be used. Examples of other areas that may benefit from mat installation include the following:
        • Areas adjacent to water fountains and drink stations.
        • Food counters and food preparation areas.
        • Under and around sinks, dishwashers and washing machines.
        • Ice stations, freezers and coolers.
        • Near machinery and other areas where spills may occur.
      • Floor mats should be designed for removal of dust, dirt, and moisture. Carpet remnants, scatter rugs, or cheap mats (vinyl backing, or no backing) should NOT be used.
      • The edging should be beveled in order to provide a smooth transition from the floor to the mat.
      • The mat should NOT have curled up edges and should be replaced prior to it becoming dog-eared.
        Floor Mat
        This photo shows a poor example of a floor mat. Carpet remnants should never be used in these areas.
      • Mats should NOT be stacked on top of each other in use. This increases the potential for tripping due to the uneven edge from the floor.
      • To decrease the potential of the mat from sliding, a single larger mat should be used instead of multiple smaller mats. The larger mat is heavier due to its size, which reduces the sliding potential.
      • The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) recommends selecting mats long enough to take two full steps (6 to 8 feet) before stepping onto other floor surfaces.
      • Mats and runners should receive proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure their integrity. Once the mats become filled with soil and water, they cannot effectively remove these contaminants from entering the building.

Interior Flooring Surfaces

Aesthetics always play a major role in deciding what type of interior flooring should be installed inside the facility. A priority should be to determine what type of flooring will be aesthetically pleasing but also to provide adequate protection from slips and falls.
Carpet, ceramic tile, vinyl and hardwoods are all appropriate types of interior floor surfaces; however, due to their design characteristics, one may be more appropriate than the others for certain areas of your facility.
Flooring also should be correctly installed, as poor installation can contribute to slip and fall hazards, such as a poorly stretched carpet that becomes loose and bunches.
Of course, maintenance always plays a role in preventing slips and falls as over time poorly maintained flooring will deteriorate and become a hazard. Even regularly maintained flooring can become a hazard if the cleaning agent affects the slip resistance of the flooring.
The following items should be considered when choosing, installing and maintaining any interior flooring:
Flooring
This photo shows a difference in flooring surfaces. Potential slip and fall hazards exist due to the different flooring. Ideally, the surfaces should be consistent.
  • Every floor surface has a degree of traction or slip resistance. Although not a formal standard, the flooring should have a coefficient of friction (slip resistant rating) of .50 or higher.
  • Flooring material should be suitable for the environment. Areas prone to the presence of water (entryways, bathrooms, etc.) should have high slip resistance characteristics.
  • Cleaning and waxing of flooring also should be considered. The use of floor waxes should be done according to the manufacturers’ recommendations and should maintain the slip resistance rating. Non-skid wax should be used on floors. Your cleaning supply company should be contacted for advice. It’s also not a good idea to wax floors immediately prior to big events involving a lot of people.
  • Dust mops used for floor cleaning should not be treated with oil.
  • Flooring should be level and in good condition. If there are any variances in level of more than ¼ inch, this can lead to a trip and fall.
  • Carpeting has the best slip resistance rating, but should be kept clean and free from holes, rips and tears.
  • Carpeting also should be adequately stretched to prevent it from bunching and becoming a trip hazard.

Lighting

Facilities often host activities seven days a week, many which run into the late evening hours. Therefore, people often find themselves using or leaving the facility during times when there is little or no natural light. Inadequate lighting can be a major contributor to slips and falls, as hazards can be difficult, if not impossible, to see when proper lighting is not provided.
Outdoor Lighting
This photo shows an example of good exterior lighting for exterior steps. Lights are places at the top and bottom providing adequate illumination.
Illumination of interior and exterior walking surfaces should include the following:
  • Lighting is measured in foot candles. At a minimum, 10 foot candles should be mandatory for all lighting. Higher levels of illumination may be needed in high use areas.
  • Lighting should be provided for walkways, parking lots, stairways, hallways and basements. Look for shadows that may be created and adjust lighting accordingly.
  • In stairwells, provide a light switch at the top and the bottom of the stairs whenever feasible.
  • Inspect all lighting on a daily basis and replace light fixtures or bulbs that do not work.

Other Walking Surface Hazards

Oftentimes, facilities may have a miscellaneous slip and fall hazard that may be less obvious than a more common area, like a set of stairs. However, conducting a thorough inspection of the entire facility and grounds is important, as these miscellaneous hazards are often the areas most likely for a fall to occur, as they are commonly overlooked.
The following items are examples of miscellaneous walking surface hazards that should be looked for when conducting inspections.
  • Access covers used to gain access to utilities should be present and flush with the surface.
  • Drain covers that are typically found in parking lots usually have wide openings to provide drainage. This creates a severe trip hazard, especially with high-heeled shoes. Grates should have openings no greater than ½ inch; and they should be painted a contrasting color, such as yellow.
  • Electrical, telephone, and microphone cords should be routed around walkways and doorways. Where this is not possible, they should be securely taped down or covered with cord protectors. Whenever possible, use cordless microphones to eliminate excessive cords.
  • Elevators should be adjusted so that they are even with the floor surface.
  • Holes and depressions formed as a result of settling should be monitored and filled in.
  • Old posts, temporary pole supports, etc. should be removed. These only create unnecessary trip and fall hazards.
  • Sprinkler heads used for irrigation should be level with the ground surface when not in use.
Drainage HoleCords
The photo on the left shows a drainage hole that should have a protective covering installed. The photo on the right shows electrical and audio cables placed on the stairs and walking surface that should be routed away from the walking area, taped to the floor, or provided with cord protectors. Areas such as these create unnecessary trip and fall hazards and should be corrected.  
                                             Contact us for all your Insurance needs! (321)725-1620
Bob Lancaster Insurance
                                                                             Serving Florida since 1964