For the Elks Self-Insured Master Liability Program, the “slips and falls” category is, by far, the most frequently reported liability claim category. As the average age of our membership continues to rise, Lodge management must be more vigilant in their efforts to prevent such claims:

• Slip-resistant walking surfaces with a COF (Coefficient of Friction) greater than 0.60 should be used whenever possible. Any new or replacement flooring must meet this standard.
• Only use floor treatments and cleaners that are designed for non-skid flooring.
• Refrain from cluttering up walkways with clutter or displays that could cause a distraction or reduce visibilities.
• Limit access to areas with known hazards, such as multi-level flooring, stages, stairways and ramps. When in use, these areas should be monitored and controlled.
• All stairways (external and internal) must comply with state and local codes; handrails must be installed as required.
• Good lighting must be utilized in high traffic areas inside the Lodge as well as in outdoor areas, such as in parking lots or other areas used by Lodge members and guests.
• Outdoor maintenance must be done throughout the year.
• Restrooms should be monitored on a regular basis to make sure that spills or other hazards are eliminated in a timely fashion. Note when facilities are inspected or cleaned and maintain records.

Lodges that have pools should comply with the following requirements:
1. Make sure that all state/local rules, requirements and procedures are followed.
2. When pools are open, there should be an adequate number of lifeguards present. These lifeguards must be properly trained and certified.
3. Lodges should have the means to control access to the pools, so that they can be properly secured when not in use.
4. Pools should have signs indicating that pool patrons swim at their own risk and that all minor children should be accompanied by parents or guardians.
5. Pools should remove diving boards and other such equipment, including slides.
6. Pools must be inspected on a frequent basis; any damaged or defective equipment and/or dangerous conditions must be addressed immediately.
7. At no time should swimmers be allowed to participate in dangerous activities, such as horseplay, running, diving in the shallow end, etc. Diving from the shallow end should be discouraged with absolutely no diving into depths less than nine (9) feet allowed. 8. If food is served, glass tableware should not be used.
9. Alcoholic beverages should not be served poolside.

In recent months, there has been an inordinate number of claims involving stairs.

While most of these claims involve contributory negligence on the part of the claimant, others involve elderly patrons. It is important for every Lodge to remember that secondary medical payments are no longer available (effective April 1, 2011), which means the Self-Insured Master Liability Program will deny most of these claims.

To properly defend the Lodge from such claims, each Lodge should make sure that all stairs are in good condition, including skid strips and handrails. In addition, stairs that do not conform to required standards should be blocked off when possible with appropriate signs and directions posted. When a situation involves feeble or disabled persons, proper supervision and/or assistance should be considered (warn people to watch where they step).

The same advice also applies to outside stairs. Warning signs and mats should be used when weather conditions cause wet walking surfaces.

The two major insurance programs created by the Statutes of the Order are now essentially self-insured.

The Liability program has a one million dollar self-assumption for each occurrence; the Property Plus Program has a $750,000 self-assumption for each loss. If these programs are to continue to benefit the Order, a team effort must be made to avoid losses.

Every loss is the individual member’s loss; therefore, Lodge management must think safety. In the property area, these policies can’t be viewed as a means for maintenance.
•    Do not think about how to file a claim but how to avoid a claim.
•    How can I make sure the Lodge will never serve a person approaching intoxication?
•    How will we make sure there is no hazard on which a person can fall?
•    To keep the great benefits these programs provide, all must think “safety first.”