Retail plazas pack more pedestrians into a small area than almost any other property type. Shoppers arrive from early morning to late evening, carry bags, push carts and watch their phones instead of the ground. For snow contractors, plazas are steady, visible work with concentrated slip and fall risk.
The Risks
- Entrance zones. Where sidewalk meets lot, and where most falls happen.
- Tenant traffic patterns. A busy coffee shop or pharmacy creates a hot spot at specific hours.
- Multiple parties. Landlord, property manager and tenants may all have some responsibility and all may be named in a claim, along with you.
- Cart corrals and fixtures. Property damage exposure. See parking lot plowing.
What Landlords Require
Retail landlords typically require $5 million liability, additional insured status for the landlord and manager, and certificates on file. Some national landlords have standard vendor insurance requirements. See umbrella liability and insurance requirements for commercial snow contracts.
Coverage and Practices
- General liability with slip and fall and completed operations
- Salting and sanding declared, since entrances need constant attention
- Sidewalk clearing for the storefront walkways
- Time stamped snow logs and photos of entrance conditions
Plaza work is common everywhere, including Scarborough, Markham, Newmarket and Okotoks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is liable when a shopper falls at a plaza?
Often several parties are named, including the landlord, property manager, tenant and snow contractor. Your liability policy provides your defence.
Do plaza landlords require certificates every year?
Usually, yes, before each season and at renewal.