Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/230373
The same principles apply here: a good intake, an extra ounce of precaution (especially if you are not in your normal setting), and client communication will alleviate a lot of potential headaches for you and your clients. Typical liability insurance will also cover you for accidents that aren't directly related to the massage itself: spilling oil on a client's carpet, snagging a client's jacket on a sharp corner in your office, or having your tent fall on someone during a charity event. Even if the incident doesn't result in an insurance claim, communicating effectively with clients before and during your session helps set the stage for a better experience all the way around. Making sure clients understand the benefits of massage, and the outcomes you both hope to reach together, creates a partnership from the beginning, where fewer things are able to fall through the cracks. Don't Forget the Obvious When a client takes a tumble in your business because of a loose tile, a ragged rug, or a dog underfoot, you are at fault. When a client slips because of ice on your stairs, that responsibility falls on you. And when your table collapses under the weight of a heavy client, that's your fault, too. Sometimes the result of these slips and falls is a minor bump or bruise; sometimes it's a major injury. The client who had to have her head sutured back together after falling into a glass case after her massage was not planning on ending her day that way. And neither was her therapist. Some accidents can't be avoided, no matter how many precautions you take—they are just accidents. The slip and fall coverage that is part of most professional Tip: Your intake process should explore everything from allergies to medications to recent surgeries and illnesses. Log in to www.abmp.com to download client intake forms, client health history forms, and other guides for a safer practice. Tip: Shovel your walks and sweep your stairs. Be careful with rugs and electrical cords. Check the stability of your table after each client. As part of your room-readiness routine, check your treatment area to make sure there's nothing out of the ordinary that could be a hazard to you or your clients. liability policies is meant to cover you against incidents like these that happen largely outside your control. It Can Happen to You Despite the best business ethics and hands-on practices, massage therapists and bodyworkers leave themselves open to financial disaster if they are not protected by professional liability insurance. "Even the most cautious and caring therapist has to understand that accidents can happen to anyone," says Katie Armitage, executive director of ABMP, the largest US massage membership association (Massage & Bodywork's publisher), which includes professional liability insurance as one of its many member benefits. "We have had many claims for tables collapsing, on-site chairs collapsing, clients falling or tripping, even a candle that ignited some alcohol that spilled onto the client and caused extensive burns," she says. "I don't plan on having a car accident on the way home today, but it could happen and that's why we all protect ourselves with insurance. You want to protect your assets, your future earnings, and your credit rating." Shopping for Insurance When shopping for professional liability insurance, Armitage says there are some key questions to ask. Is it Occurrence-Form or Claims-Made Coverage? First, make sure the policy is described as "occurrenceform" rather than "claims-made" coverage. It pays to be ABMP Certified: www.abmp.com/go/certifiedcentral 93