We are passionate about helping our clients simplify and manage their risk by offering risk tools and solutions beyond insurance. Although it is ideal to be accident-free, you want your team to be prepared with strong Accident Investigation skills.

Consider the following:

• Do you have clear procedures in place and are they communicated to your staff?
• Would your staff be prepared to respond appropriately in the event of an accident?
• Are you aware of the consequences of not being properly trained in accident investigation?

Our Risk Specialist, Tim Stezik, presented at the 2018 Northern Ontario Tourism Summit. His presentation focused on how to improve accident investigation procedures at resorts. Due to the importance of this topic, I decided to present the same information in a webinar format [VIEW WEBINAR RECORDING HERE].

So, why is Accident Investigation important?

The ultimate goal is for your guests to have a safe and positive experience. If they get injured, then it will reduce the likelihood of them returning to your resort. How your staff responds to an incident reflects well or poorly on your resort.

Other reasons include:

• High incident frequency can harm your company brand and reputation by painting your resort as unsafe.
• The company culture and the morale of your employees can be adversely affected.
• It will help identify potential hazards and can help you to take preventative action.
• It will help improve documentation when an incident occurs.

It is essential to acquire as much accurate information as soon as possible following the incident -- do not wait.

Did you know that minors have up to 2 years after the age of majority to file a lawsuit?

For example, if an eight-year-old is injured on your property today, 12 years from now, he/she could file a statement of claim. Will you remember the details of the incident to aid in your defence?  Will you have contact with the staff that witnessed the occurrence? Gathering and recording a detailed account of the incident could save you in the event of a lawsuit.

Recently, one of our resorts received a Statement of Claim 2 years after what seemed like a minor incident. Fortunately, the owners and staff recognized the importance of gathering information and had accurate documentation in place to help with their defence.

Having regular Accident Investigation Training with your staff and developing an Accident Investigation Strategy can save you time, money and much frustration should a lawsuit ensue.

Get yourself and your staff prepared.