Wholesalers and retailers encounter a number of risks specific to their industry. In addition to the core insurance and risk management services required of any business, they need to concern themselves with these issues, as well:
Product Liability
Are you aware that, even though you don’t actually manufacture a defective
product, you can be named in a lawsuit if you sell it? Also, did you know
that, if you import a foreign product that is defective–and the manufacturer
has no U.S. insurance coverage–you will be held liable, as if you were the
manufacturer?
Premises and Operations Liability
Do you have adequate liability coverage for slip and fall incidents,
and other liabilities, given the amount of “traffic” in and out of your
facility? Do you have effective measures in place to prevent them?
Pollution
Are you storing items that could become a pollution hazard in the event of
a fire or other incident? Are your employees working with contaminants such
as cleaning chemicals that present a liability? Do you have equipment, such
as refrigeration units, that contain gases or fluids that are hazardous if
not contained?
Employment Issues
With the high volume of turnover inherent in many retail operations, do
you have coverage to cover the costs of discrimination, harassment and
wrongful termination lawsuits?
Loss of Refrigeration
If you handle food or other perishable items, are you prepared to cover
the losses if your refrigeration unit fails?