From defective radiators to scalding tap water, human service organizations are vulnerable to the risk of burn injuries and claims of negligence. Whether it’s a daycare, school, office or residential living facility, human service organizations experience their share of liability claims related to burn injuries.
At Convelo, we understand the unique risks your clients face. Following are common scenarios we see, and ways nonprofits and service organizations can help reduce their risk today.
Scenario 1: Childcare Center Setting – Hot Water Burn
Children are curious. They also have thinner skin than adults, which makes them even more vulnerable to burns and scalds. In fact, every day, 300 children ages 0 to 19 are treated in emergency departments for burn-related injuries. Burn-related injuries are also among the leading ten causes of unintentional injury in children ages 0 to 5, with children 2 and younger at greatest risk.
In a daycare or school, precautions must be taken to prevent children from steam-burn injuries whether it is from a broken hot water heater causing a tap water burn or an unattended source of boiling water for cleaning or cooking. If a steam source is present in a daycare center and proper guidelines are not followed and a child is injured, the operators and/or owners of the center could be found directly liable for the injury.
Failure to properly prevent such injuries could be considered a liable act of negligence. The center could also be liable for if/when a childcare employee fails to exercise caution in preventing a potential steam-burn injury.
In addition to instilling common sense precautions and proper training in a childcare setting, professional liability insurance can help further protect your client and their employees in case of injury or neglect.
Scenario 2: Assisted Living Facility – Radiator Burn
Water heaters cause thousands of injuries each year in the U.S., and the most common of these injuries are scald or burn injuries. Consider an assisted living center where burns are a known liability. Like children, the elderly have sensitive skin and safeguards against burns are as critical in a senior care facility as in a daycare center.
Neglected inspections or failure to maintain and repair faulty radiators can leave a facility vulnerable to liability. For example, an immobile patient could suffer a burn from the steam of a faulty radiator. A defective radiator can release scalding hot steam and cause serious burn injuries, severe scarring, and even death.
In addition to having the proper liability coverage in place, these facilities must do the following:
- Make sure water heaters are set at a safe temperature to prevent injury
- Ensure that all radiators are covered to prevent burns and scalding
- Meet and maintain all inspection requirements – on time
A Collaborative Approach
Regardless of their size and complexity, there are certain risks unique to nonprofits and human services organizations, like burning and scalding injuries, that can leave them vulnerable. At Convelo, our specialized experience writing policies in this sector means those special risks are covered and that your client is fully supported. We understand better than most that our job is to provide the best possible coverage, at the most competitive pricing, so these organizations can carry on with their missions with peace of mind.
Convelo underwriters have deep knowledge of the complexities of insurance coverage for nonprofits and human services organizations. We help you win your clients’ trust and business by quickly tailoring policies to their specific needs at competitive rates.
Contact us to learn more about your client’s professional liability risks and coverage needs today.