Strategies for minimizing potential water damage at your dojo

A study of martial arts losses show that martial arts programs continue to experience water damage losses. If precautionary actions are not taken to help reduce the probability of an event occurring, significant damage and downtime may occur. Most losses involved pipes rupturing, water leaking through roofs and ceiling tiles, water intrusion from adjacent business and damage caused by independent contractors.

Swift actions are often necessary to reduce destructive water damage.

Rapid response can come in many ways. Rapid response should include knowing how to shut-off water in case of an emergency. Everyone on staff should know where the emergency water shut-off valve is, how it works and where the tools are located to help shut the water off. Consider training scenarios that require staff to respond to emergency situations such as a ruptured pipe. A ruptured pipe can dump gallons of water in a matter of minutes. Keep in mind that commercial urinals and toilets may require additional steps to shut off the water at the source. It may be necessary to secure a licensed plumber to visit your business.

Early notification of water intrusion can reduce the surprise factor associated with finding the damage hours after it occurs and can help reduce the severity of the damage. While this is not an endorsement of any product, there are a variety of water intrusion alert systems available. Along with technology, these devices can alert you as soon as water is detected. In the case of a toilet overflow, there are alarm systems that can alert you of an overflow event and automatically shut off the water to reduce the amount of water involved. Consider providing an adjacent business your contact information, so they can quickly notify you if they have a water emergency that can impact your school.

Additional resources can be found in the Markel Risk Solution Services resource library, including how to prevent costly water damage and how to avoid the impact of water damage on your business.

Working with independent contractors

When working with independent contractors, it’s essential to establish safeguards that shield you from their potential mishaps. If contractors do not carry adequate insurance, you could be held liable for their mistakes.

• Require contractors to maintain their own liability and workers compensation insurance with policy limits that are equal to or greater than your policy limits. Get proof of insurance before signing a contract.
• Avoid agreements where the contractor requires you to hold them harmless from liability.
• Check with your insurance agent to confirm you have the proper coverage before starting any project that involves an independent contractor. Ask that your business be named as an additional insured on the contractor’s general liability policy.
• Review all contracts with your attorney.