A big part of any accident prevention activity is communication at the Lodge level between its officers and members. 

To get the safety message out, and to keep it constantly top of mind, all members of the Lodge must communicate with one another. Too often, the Lodge Secretary (the recipient of many notices and information) does not actively talk with the Board. The reverse is also true.

The Secretary is primarily responsible for passing out information to the other leaders of the Lodge. The Board is responsible for appointing the Lodge’s Accident Prevention Manager. The Board must do this as they are responsible for making it work.

While most Lodges try to work as a team, each year the Grand Lodge receives calls from various Lodge leaders asking about insurance policies and other matters related to insurance and safety issues that are clearly stated in information provided to the Lodge by many sources. The Insurance Department is always glad to provide information and assistance, but the prime concern is that the Lodge’s leaders are not talking to each other and not cooperating to accomplish accident prevention and, for that matter, good Lodge management.

The menu links cover six A&P categories, each with a list of topics that all Lodge officers and members should familiarize themselves with.

1. Never serve anyone approaching intoxication. Count the drinks. If in doubt, cut the patron off. The Drug Awareness effort extends to more than just programs for children.

2. Lodges must be well maintained, should complete the self-inspection reports, and must take action to correct deficiencies. Lodges should also use the other inspection forms and reports in the Accident/Claim Prevention Manual.

3. Make sure each Lodge has appointed an accident prevention manager as required in the Statutes of the Order.

4. Make sure the Lodge has Workers’ Compensation coverage. Even if a Lodge has no employees, it should have a defense policy in the event a person contends they are an employee. The Master Liability Program does not cover such claims and cannot defend such allegations.

5. Lodges should not engage in any fundraising ideas that generate risk or exposures with the high potential for losses or catastrophic events.

6. Lodges should be cautious about assuming obligations under contracts or other documents; legal advice should be sought.

7. Lodge management should seriously consider obtaining Directors & Officers/Employment Practice coverage through the discounted program offered by Aon (the Master Liability Program does not provide this coverage). Without D&O coverage, the personal assets of Lodge officers and managers are at risk.

8. Lodges must have licensed persons remove hazardous material (asbestos, lead, mold, etc.).

9. If there is a liability claim, the accident report must be completely filled out. Copies of these reports are in the Liability Insurance Program Booklet.

10. Make sure special care is taken to maintain, mark and control access to stairs, stages, entrances or any areas with different levels.

11. Persons or corporations leasing or using the Lodge’s premises and/or facilities should follow the instructions on Pages 10-11 of the Liability Insurance Program Booklet. Obtain indemnification and, in most cases, be named as additional insured on the leasing party’s insurance policy.