AG Financial Solutions

The most frequent claim reported in churches are slips, trips, and falls. Though they may not grab headlines, their high frequency of occurrence is certainly problematic.

Many of the losses that stem from the lack of facility inspection and maintenance are preventable. A systematic, detailed approach to inspection and maintenance results in a reduction of losses.

Utilize the safety and security team in your church. The team can implement the checks and balances needed to keep the facility and the people safe. (For additional information regarding creating a safety and security team see Chapter 2).

Once the person or team is in place, regular inspections and timely and proper maintenance is necessary to lower the odds of having a claim or traumatic event. While many of the jobs can be handled by volunteers, some should be undertaken only by professionals. It is important to keep a list of contractors and maintenance people who can get a job done quickly and safely.

Inspections should be done at least quarterly by a designated person or team. A system should be in place for regular attendees and members to point out hazards. Procedures should be adopted that make maintenance a priority. Once notified of a hazard, church leaders could become liable for not making timely repairs should an injury later occur because of their slow response or inadequate repairs.

Inspection and maintenance should be viewed, along with the entire safety/security/risk management ministry, as an opportunity to be good stewards. Caring for the people, property, and resources God has entrusted to your care is an important ministry for the faithful and should not be taken lightly.

They and their descendants were in charge of guarding the gates of the house of the Lord - the house call the Tent.
I Chronicles 9:23 (NIV)