• Stages or raised areas: Properly block these areas. Don’t allow traffic without safeguards such as railings, signs or fences.

• Stairs: Make sure that stairs are in good condition with hand rails and appropriate signs where necessary.

• Parking lots: Make sure that surfaces are in good condition or don’t use them. No parking or speed bumps. Make sure that they are well lit at all times and that they are cleared of ice and snow in the winter time.

• Cars parked in Lodge parking lots: Lodges are not responsible for any damage to parked cars. The owner’s insurance must apply. Any claim submitted by a Lodge will be denied payment

• Injured workers: When an employee is injured, the Lodge is required to report it to its workers’ compensation carrier. If the Lodge does not have such coverage, the Lodge must pay the claim out of its own pocket. The Master Liability Program never covers such claims.

• Dance floors: No waxes or other substances can be used on dance floors. If dancers are unruly, dance in an unsafe manner, or jeopardize other dancers, the Lodge management should take control and stop the offending parties.

• Serving alcohol: It is most important that a person even approaching intoxication is never served alcohol.

Furniture/Equipment: A Lodge can reduce the likelihood of a claim arising from the use of tables, chairs, stools and furniture by proper planning:

• Inspect each chair, stool and table to make sure that it is safe;

• Repair damaged or worn items immediately;

• Promptly discard any table, stool or chair that is not repaired; and

• Do not place damaged or worn items aside since someone may not realize that the item is not safe.

• Improve Lighting: A Lodge can reduce potential claims by taking a few minutes to check the following:

• Repair or replace any inoperable light fixtures;

• Replace any burned out light bulbs;

•Use a light bulb that meets the maximum wattage for the light fixture;

•Clean light fixtures and covers to allow maximum light; and

•Consider the benefit to have an electrician install additional lighting in a dimly lit area.