2017 Safety Trends and Risks for Churches
The beginning of the year is a time to look forward and anticipate the trends we’re likely to see as we move into 2017. When it comes to safety and risk management issues for churches, here are six trends that my team and I forecast for the coming year, plus some pointers for protecting your place of worship.
1. Avoidable Incidents
It’s almost a given that a church insurance company such as GuideOne will see millions of dollars in claims resulting from incidents that, in many cases, are preventable: fires, water damage, and falls, to name a few. Aside from establishing a risk management team or committee in your church, we highly recommend that churches have a regular facility inspection program to identify preventable hazards such as combustibles stored near heating sources, walkway defects like cracked sidewalks, and water intrusion from clogged gutters or downspouts. To get started, take a look at our monthly and annual facility inspection checklists. Also, electrical fires are an area of concern, particularly for older church buildings. If your building is over 30 years old, consider having the electrical system inspected by a licensed electrical contractor.
2. Child Sexual Abuse Within Religious Organizations
This will continue to make headlines, given the tragic impact even one such incident can have. While no child protection program is foolproof, implementing safeguards such as screening prospective workers and volunteers, providing training and appropriate supervision of staff, and planning how to respond to an allegation of abuse are important elements in protecting the children under your church’s care. Child abuse prevention resources are available here.
3. Crime and Violence Challenges
We live in a violent world, and sometimes that violence spills into the church. Whether the threat comes from a domestic disturbance, a deranged individual, a person with a grudge or prejudice, or a terrorist, it is a good idea for churches to have a plan in place to prevent and respond to violent incidents. In 2017, I expect we will see churches continue to be challenged by changes to conceal carry and open carry laws, which vary widely from state to state, and require a church to carefully consider whether it wishes to prohibit, or allow, weapons on its premises.
4. Religious Expression Challenges
Currently, there is tension between a church’s right to make decisions based upon religious principles and some in the culture’s view that such decisions can be discriminatory to a segment of the population. As a result, challenges to a church’s religious expression, particularly in the area of facility usage and ‘public accommodation’ laws, are likely to continue. Churches may be wise to consider religious expression insurance coverage, and the accompanying risk management materials, that GuideOne offers on this topic.
5. Important Judicial or Governmental Decisions Impacting Churches
Two important cases currently pending in the courts include a federal district court in Texas that is considering the Department of Labor’s new overtime regulations (these were put on hold by a preliminary injunction in November 2016) and a United States Supreme Court case on the separation of church and state that will be decided later this year. Beyond those, I can safely predict there will be other judicial or government regulatory actions popping up during the year that will require churches to take note and respond. We will plan to address those in our Safety Watch e-newsletter as they arise.
6. Rapid Advancements in Technology
This presents both opportunities and challenges for churches. Safety and security technology such as video surveillance, communications equipment, nursery check in systems and even lighting have never been so advanced, and prices may be less expensive than a church might expect. But the advancement of technology also presents threats in terms of privacy and the protection of the increasing amount of data that churches maintain on its members and guests. A strong data security system, along with consideration of cyber liability insurance coverage, is quickly becoming essential for churches.
Whatever we might forecast, the year is sure to bring twists and turns that we never envisioned. But some of the safeguards mentioned in this post can be a good place to start as we enter 2017.
Source: https://www.guideoneconnections.com/blog/article/2017-safety-trends-and-risks-churches
