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Safety and Loss Control
Let's Talk About Protecting Your Dry Cleaning Business
We've listed some common concerns most dry cleaners have, along with some ways we can partner to protect your business. When you're ready to speak to an agent, find one near you using our Professional Locator.
(Please note all coverage may not be available in all states.)
| Your worries | The solutions | |
|---|---|---|
| What you think about | How you can help yourself | How Nationwide can help you |
| My presses, dryers, chemicals and flammable dry cleaning solutions make fire a concern. |
Purchase software to calculate the appropriate replacement cost of
your building Dry Cleaning Safety Bulletins Online Safety Courses | Property
Coverage Business Income Coverage Loss control representatives available to review your property and make recommendations at no charge |
| What if something belonging to one of my customers is lost? |
Keep accurate descriptions of customers goods on the receipt Keep a back up copy of computer records, i.e. items in storage, inventories, etc., at an off-site location | Bailee Coverage |
| Clothing might be damaged by cleaning solutions, burns or improper care. |
Make sure all garments are properly marked and sorted All items should be inspected before they are provided to the customer | Customers’ Goods in Process Coverage |
| What if the cleaning solvents we use cause pollution? | OSHA's Safety and Health Topics for Dry Cleaners | Pollution Liability Coverage |
| An employee could hurt herself on the job. | Online Safety Courses | Workers
Compensation Coverage Stop Gap Coverage |
| What if a customer falls in my store or has an allergic reaction to my dry cleaning solutions? | Preventing Slips,
Trips and Falls Safety Bulletin Have a procedure in place to allow sufficient time for vapors to evaporate before packaging and returning the items | General
Liability Coverage Medical Payments Coverage |
| What if I am responsible for a loss and find out I am being sued? | Keep your insurance agent’s name and phone number as well the claims contact information in a readily available place | General Liability Coverage |
| What if someone robs the store? | Crime Prevention Tips Safety Bulletin | Crime Coverage |
| What if something happens to a neighboring business causing my store to close? | Keep a list of all employees, customers and suppliers contact information and records off-site. |
Business Income from Dependent Properties Business Income Coverage |
| My outdoor signs are very expensive. What if something happens to them? |
Have a regular maintenance program in place for your outdoor
property Make sure you purchase a sign that can withstand the elements in your area. | Property
Coverage Business Sign Coverage |
| What if a customer damages my building by running into the drive-through? | Make sure drive-through equipment is protected by concrete barriers | Property Coverage |
| Expensive customer goods such as wedding gowns or furs could be damaged while being stored | Issue a receipt and require the customer to declare a value on higher valued items | Bailee Coverage |
| An employee could have an accident while using the company van to deliver clothes. | Adverse road conditions safety bulletin-Driver distraction safety bulletin | Business Auto Coverage |
| What if equipment that is vital to my cleaning operation breaks down? |
Have back up equipment readily available Keep contact information for equipment suppliers on hand Talk to other cleaning operations and develop a plan to help each other or sub-contract the work should your equipment become unusable | Equipment
Breakdown Coverage Business Income Coverage |
| What if a problem with a utility, such as power supply, water supply or communication service, shuts my store down temporarily? |
Have access to a back-up generator Small business guide to disaster planning | Utility Services Coverage |
| I have a number of employees and want to steer clear of any issues with discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination. |
Make sure all policies and procedures regarding discrimination and
harassment are outlined in your employee handbook. All employees should receive a copy this handbook. | Employment Related Practices Coverage |
