As a Food Wholesalers you deal with the distribution of fresh, frozen, pre-packaged and tinned products, working long hours in the process. At Dixons Commercial Insurance Brokers we have a great understanding of businesses in the Food Wholesalers industry and the risks associated when running a business of this nature.
We are the broker of choice for Premier Fruits Group, CMB Foods Ltd, Kirbys Produce Ltd,Fresh Connect Ltd, Lays of Chelsea to name a few.
Coolers, generators and other equipment needed to maintain a constant temperature for any Food Wholesalers. Any fire can cause considerable damage from smoke, heat, water pressure and flame. Fruits must be stored in a way that is appropriate for the conditions. Fruits are particularly vulnerable to spoilage. The age and condition of coolers and refrigeration units are important to review. What types of alarms are in place to warn of power outage or shutdown? What types of emergency backup and continuity plans are in place? In addition, shelf life is limited.
Employee Dishonesty. All ordering and inventory control must be separated in order to maintain checks and balances.
If customers pick up goods, loading bays must be user-friendly and areas for pickup must be clearly marked, with customers confined to the specific areas. If farmers drop off produce, areas must be clearly marked to direct them. All other areas must be off limits.
Because perishables are particularly vulnerable to contamination and spoilage. What sources of contamination exist? Does the operation use pesticides or insecticides to control rodents or pests?
Motor liability exposures comes from two different sources. First, there is the salespersons’ fleet. Where do they travel? Where are vehicles maintained? Is personal use permitted? Second is the vehicles that deliver. What is the radius of operations? What is the procedure for drivers who are involved in accidents or violations? Where are vehicles stored when not in use? Is there unloading? For all motor vehicle exposure, driving records must be ordered on a regular basis, and vehicles must be maintained with documentation kept in a central location.
Employers Liability exposure comes primarily from lifting which can cause back injury, hernia, sprain, and strain. What kind of training do employees receive, and what types of material lifting or conveying devices are used within the warehouse or wholesale facility? There is also the motor vehicle delivery hazard. What is the training of drivers? Are periodic medical check-ups required? Are driving records reviewed periodically? Do drivers do the unloading? Is this done manually, or are lifting and conveying devices used during loading and unloading? Because these are often wet environments what is done to prevent slips and falls from the water?
Are the goods subject to spoilage losses or transit damage? Does the operation do its own transporting, or does it contract the services of others? What is the condition of the refrigerated lorries and what types of backups are available?
Machinery and Contents, Business Interruption, Book Debts, Computers, Goods in Transit, Employee Dishonesty, Public/Product Liability, Employee Benefits, Excess of Loss/Difference in Cover, Business Motor, Employers’ Liability
Building, Material Damage, Money and Securities, Computer Fraud, Employment Practices Liability
For a free review of your insurance needs contact us today and our team of experienced brokers will be able to help.
