31 Jul 2015
5 Ways to Protect Your Opticians Practise
- Risk assessment
A thorough risk assessment is essential for identifying which areas of your practise are the most vulnerable. It will also help you identify the sensible measures needed to control any risks you find in your workplace.
2. Secure & protect your stock
Optician’s practises are often home to a lot of expensive stock and being organised is one of the most effective steps you can take to protect it. Carry out regular audits and record serial numbers/receipts in an inventory.
3. Health and safety training
Ensure that necessary training is carried out whenever someone new joins the business and is also readily available for existing employees. Staff should be fully trained in all aspects of health and safety to help prevent any needless accidents (and costly claims!) taking place.
4. Secure your premises
Last month, we reported that thieves are increasingly targeting optician’s practises for designer frames and sunglasses. Many burglaries are unplanned so if access points in your practise are vulnerable take this chance to secure them. This could be through installing an alarm system or CCTV, strengthening doors, fitting additional locks or installing grilles/shutters. Bear in mind that if you are targeted by thieves and you don’t meet your insurers Minimum Security Conditions at the time of a burglary, your claim may be refused.
5. Regularly review IT systems
As an optician, you probably handle a lot of sensitive information including client data, financial and medical records, and employee details, so it makes sense that you keep this information protected. We advise that you regularly change passwords and ensure that your IT systems are protected with up to date anti virus software. You may also want to consider Cyber Security insurance for extra peace of mind.
While you may try your hardest to make sure that your practise is protected, you can’t always control everything that goes on. With Infocus Opticians Insurance you can be assured that if the worst does happen, you’ll be covered for the things that matter.
For specialist advice, get in touch to find out more.