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Dos AND DON’Ts FOR TRACK SAFETY
By Michael Beckman

As one of the major writers of liability insurance for go-kart tracks and FECs for the past 15 years, the Beckman Insurance Agency has seen a wide variety of risk management and loss control measurements at many facilities. We also have seen varying degrees of commitment from the owners with regard to preventing claims and cooperation when dealing with a claim.

While it is virtually impossible in this context to give an extensive risk management analysis, it is possible to look at some items we have seen work and other we have identified either through underwriting, inspections or discussions with our insureds. Please realize that these “Do and Don’ts” are merely a beginning and are intended to prompt discussion and thought, further expanding the list.

1. DO have a major commitment to safety as the cornerstone to your indoor kart racing operation.
2. DON’T just give the concept of risk management lip service when applying for insurance or complying with state or local inspections or regulations.
3. DO select and train all employees properly
4. DON’T just hire someone. You need more than just a live body out on the track. Employee handbooks, on-going training and good supervision are all very crucial ingredients that go into running a safe operation. Nearly all of our insured have a formal safety program in operation. It is critical that you get the best, brightest and most attractive employees to work for you. Inattentive and poorly trained employees can cause injury to patrons, property and to themselves.
5. DO have equipment that is excellent working order everyday.
6. DON’T fix things only when they break. A good maintenance program with good equipment is essential. Trying to get an extra week out of those badly worn tires may save a few pennies in the short run, but may cost you your business in the long run. All of our insureds now have a daily checklist that they complete, and many have more extensive maintenance procedures provided by the AKPA or the manufacturers of their equipment.
7. DO have adequate, clearly posted signs.
8. DON’T have poorly worded or difficult-to-read signs that could make your intent ambiguous. The AKPA has suggested signs for patrons to read before they participate in that particular activity.
9. DO enforce the posted rules.
10. DON’T let violators of these rules continue to do so. Again, you are sending ambiguous messages that a claimant’s attorney can use to show you did not have a major concern for patrons and their safety. If you require that no riders have loose hair or clothing, you must take steps to make certain that this rule is followed.
11. DO make certain that you have proper fencing, barriers or barricades to keep non-participants out of the activity area.
12. DON’T have the activity with no barriers. Small children and others can be a major source of injury.
13. DO mechanical and fueling procedure away from patrons in a safe area.
14. DON’T refuel or do maintenance on karts when patrons are on the track. Most kart tracks have a separate “No Admittance” area to do their maintenance. Because of workman’s compensation considerations, it is virtually impossible to work when patrons are still utilizing the facility.
15. DO follow manufacturer recommendations for maintenance and refueling.
16. DON’T do what ever is expedient to get the job done. Local and state regulations now are very specific as to working with fuel, refueling vehicles and storage of these materials. You must check with these updated regulations.
17. DO stay abreast of recent safety innovations now available.
18. DON’T go on using the same equipment and same mindset that worked in years past. All equipment wears out and when replacing, look at not only the cost factor, but the safety factor with these new products.
19. DO management on a hands-on basis.
20. DON’T leave you facility to a 16-year old. Again, these youthful, inexperienced employees, most of whom are honest and hardworking, just do not have the experience to adequately manage and entire indoor kart racing facility, particularly is a claim or other emergency arises.

About the author: Michael Beckman is owner/partner of Beckman Insurance Agency based in Wisconsin. He can be contacted at 800-345-2881 (USA only).

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Post Office Box 101
Wheaton, IL 60189 USA
Telephone: 630-653-7368
Fax: 630-653-2637
Email: karting@msn.com

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