Most machinery shops are busy places with complex equipment and hard-working people. There are risks to working in and operating a shop of any type. Yet, as a business owner, it is critical for you to take every step possible to reduce those risks. In fact, reducing those risks is by far the best way to save money on your business insurance. Whether your shop has dangers to your clients or your employees, these tips can help give you peace of mind.

A good place to start is by pinpointing areas of potential risk with a safety audit. This process, which you can do with a local OSHA or health department official, can help you to see areas of risk. It can also tell you what steps you need to take to minimize risks. Specifically, you'll want to consider:

• Chemical use: Do you have onsite resources to help people to better understand how to use chemicals properly, how to reduce misuse and how to handle problems if they occur?
  
  
• Equipment: All equipment should have specific procedures in place that instruct your business' employees and others about how to properly use those items.
  
  
• Condition: Some shops are older and may not have the most effective layout or be in the best overall condition in terms of the building's features. It may not be feasible to completely remodel your shop, but you should make repairs to reduce any fall risks.

In addition to these steps, you'll want to be vigilant whenever you are allowing others into the shop. This means walking around the interior and exterior of the building throughout the day to pinpoint areas of potential concern.

It may also mean having training sessions with your team, correcting improper equipment use and watching for chemical use and storage mistakes. Many times, being aware of what is happening around your business is the main step you need to take to reduce your risks.

Most importantly, take the time to learn as much as you can about how your business operates and where you can make improvements. If you've filed business insurance claims before, find out why those events occurred and what you can do to reduce the chances of similar incidents occurring again.

We’ll help keep your workplace safe. Call Harrell Insurance Agency at (843) 766-5533 for more information on business insurance Charleston.