Legionella, a harmful bacteria that causes the pneumonia-type illness called Legionnaires’ disease, was initially identified in 1977 after being responsible for 34 deaths. Since the initial discovery, outbreaks have occasionally surfaced. In 2015, numerous outbreaks in New York City; specifically in the Bronx and Queens, infected nearly 150 people and resulted in 13 deaths.
In most cases, Legionella outbreaks can be traced to building air conditioning system cooling towers. However, sometimes this bacteria has been found in places like swimming pools, fountains, and other water structures.
How can you protect yourself and your investment from this? The most effective way is through proper risk management and maintenance procedures. In a recent study, ASHRAE (The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers) published a long awaited set of guidelines for water quality and reduction of Legionella concerns. The standards are considered the “go to” for prevention and are a valuable tool to ensure that proper risk management procedures are in place and followed in the event of an outbreak.
Another way to mitigate your financial risk is by checking your insurance contract for these key items:
- Make sure that your policy DOES NOT exclude Mold or Microbial Matter.
- Ensure that a Pollution Liability policy IS included. This policy should specifically cover claims for Third Party Bodily Injury and/or Property Damage, Clean-Up Costs and includes Legionella and mold within its definitions of a Pollution Condition is essential. Some policies even include limits for Crisis Management to handle adverse publicity and media communications.
While there are a number of tools available to protect property owners and managers; having an independent risk management professional review your current coverage, as well as risk management protocols is beneficial for organizations regardless of the size.
We use our Risk Management Assessment (“RMA”) as one of the tools to identify, analyze and report on our clients’ material risk exposures including the risk resulting from Legionella bacteria BEFORE anything happens. We provide our clients with assistance by evaluating your current coverage, establishing risk management protocols, and ensuring that the financial risk is reduced or removed.
Click here to request more information about The ALS Group and our services or for help with any of your risk related issues.
