This document is intended as a best practice and may not address all situations. Providers should always follow Buyer policies, site rules, and applicable safety standards. 

Working in active commercial environments requires awareness, planning, and proper handling of tools and equipment. The most common causes of property damage and bodily injury on Buyer sites involve wall impacts, equipment handling, lift operation, and tools or materials falling in public areas. The following guidelines help minimize risk, protect property, and maintain a safe experience for Buyer employees, customers, and the public. 

Risks property damage and/or bodily injury 

Lift operation: Scissor lifts, manlifts, and vertical lifts can cause wall damage if operated in tight spaces. Accidental contact can puncture drywall, crack surfaces, or damage trim, signage, or fixtures. 

Equipment & ladder handling: Carrying ladders, conduit, cable trays, or large tools through doorways or hallways increases the chance of marking or denting walls, especially in narrow or high-traffic areas. 

Tools or materials falling: Tools, hardware, or installed equipment can fall from heights due to improper securing, vibration, or movement, posing a risk to property and people below. 

Best practices to reduce property damage & protect the public 

Pre-work assessment to familiarize yourself with site 

• Inspect the installation areas before starting for fragile walls, existing damage (take photos), low ceilings, tight pathways, sprinkler heads, glass panels, or other decorative elements that can be accidentally struck. 
• Plan travel paths for ladders, cable reels, and bulky items before lifting or carrying. ● Confirm wall type (drywall, concrete, tile, metal stud, etc.) to avoid drilling into weak surfaces or causing hidden damage. 
• Verify weight ratings and structural integrity before mounting displays, speakers, or projectors. ● Identify sensitive areas below ceiling work (customer seating, front counters, retail product areas). 

Protect walls, furniture & floors before work begins 

• Lay down drop cloths or floor runners to prevent scratches from carts, ladders, or dropped hardware. 
• Use wall pads, moving blankets, or temporary foam guards when transporting ladders or materials. 
• Apply protective edging on carts or equipment with sharp corners. 
• Use a spotter when operating lifts near walls, shelving, or doorways. 
• Remove or cover nearby furniture, décor, merchandise, and electronics to avoid incidental impact or dust contamination. 

Lifts & ladders 

• Position lifts slowly, avoid sudden movements, and maintain required clearance. ● Ensure lifts are fully lowered before movement — never “inch” lifts sideways while elevated. ● Never force a lift into a tight space, reassess the route or seek assistance. 
• Collapse ladders before repositioning to prevent wall strikes. 
• Use a spotter when navigating lifts in tight environments (conference rooms, retail aisles). 

Secure tools and materials at height 

• Use tool lanyards when working overhead. 
• Avoid placing tools on drop ceilings, grid rails, projector mounts, or display backs where vibration can cause them to fall. 
• Secure equipment being installed on lifts 
• Ensure installed items are fully supported before releasing. 

Drilling, anchoring & mounting 

• Use a stud finder or inspection camera to prevent drilling into electrical conduit, water lines, sprinkler piping, or low-voltage bundles. 
• Mark drill points clearly before drilling to avoid mis-holes and wall patching. 
• Place a catch cloth or dust shroud beneath drilling areas to prevent dust damage or slipping hazards. 

Exposure to the public 

When working in areas open to employees or customers: 

• Establish a clear, marked work zone with cones or caution tape. 
• Prevent individuals from walking under overhead work. 
• Communicate with Buyer site contacts to reroute foot traffic if needed. 
• Perform all work during hours when the location is closed to the public. 

Response plan if damage occurs 

Even with precautions, incidents can happen. Providers should: 

• Stop Work Immediately: Do not continue working until the situation is safe and assessed.
• Notify the Buyer or Site Contact: Report what happened, the impact area, and any safety concerns.
• Document the Incident: Take clear photos and notes for reporting and resolution.
• Secure the Area: Ensure hazards (e.g., loose tools, ceiling debris) are removed or isolated. 

Summary 

To minimize property damage and protect Buyer employees and customers, Providers should:

• Be aware of your surroundings 
• Use protective padding and barriers 
• Handle equipment responsibly 
• Secure tools and equipment overhead 
• Operate lifts carefully 
• Maintain controlled, marked work zones 
• Perform installation work during hours when the location is closed to the public. 

Safety, awareness, and preparation remain the most effective ways to prevent costly damage and maintain strong relationships with Buyers.

This information is provided by Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions, the marketing brand for the insurance company subsidiaries of Intact Insurance Group USA Holdings Inc., including Atlantic Specialty Insurance Company, Homeland Insurance Company of New York, Homeland Insurance Company of Delaware, OBI America Insurance Company, The Guarantee Company of North America USA, or OBI National Insurance Company. This document is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute and is not intended to take the place of legal or risk management advice. Readers should consult their own legal counsel or other representatives for any such advice. This document does not purport to identify all possible or significant hazards at a premises or in your operations. In addition, it does not undertake to bring you into full compliance with any local, state or federal health or safety laws or contractual obligations. Further, by providing this document, we do not assume any obligations you may have to identify, manage, control or correct any hazard on your premises or in your operations.