Remember Risk Management When Planning County Fair

Among the flurry of activity to plan a county fair, managing and reducing the risks may get overlooked. However, this step is just as important as booking activities, musical acts and the midway rides to ensure that attendees, volunteers, workers and vendors have a positive and safe experience, while protecting the fair’s assets.

Risk Management Guide for Fairs

The no-cost Agricultural Societies Loss Prevention Best Practices Guide provides information and recommendations to help county fairs recognize and reduce risks and hazards associated with their operations and protect such organizations from liability and loss.

The guide addresses risks generally applicable to county fairs, such as alcohol policies, independent contractors, special events, volunteers, animal contact, bleachers and grandstands, cooking facilities, fire prevention, blood-borne pathogens, housekeeping, grounds keeping, inflatable amusements, people movers and hayrides, sanitation, security and site control, and others.

Members are encouraged to download this publication and:

• Review its recommendations for various areas of operations
• Use the checklists to assess how well the fair meets the best practices
• Make a plan to remedy any deficiencies

A fair’s assigned MCIT loss control consultant is available to answer questions and conduct property surveys to help identify hazards and offer recommendations. Members can contact consultants at 866.547.6516.

Protect Fair with Adequate Coverage

MCIT provides a broad range of coverages for members that includes property, inland marine, auto, liability, public employees liability, employee dishonesty, cyber and workers’ compensation.

The no-cost Coverage Summary for Agricultural Societies is a quick reference for the most applicable lines of coverage for county fair operations and includes information about what is covered, what is excluded, and the limits and conditions of coverage. Members are encouraged to download it.

It is important to understand that not all fair exposures are covered by MCIT and certain exclusions exist that can apply to the fair’s operations. Important examples of exclusions are noted below.

Property coverage exclusions:

• Damage caused by flood if any part of the fair’s property is located in Zone A, Zone V, or zones prefixed A and V as classified under the National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA.gov/flood-insurance)
• Loss arising from or involving a communicable disease, including E. coli
• The increased value of items due to their rarity, antique, historic or collector value
• Loss arising from pollution
• Loss caused by wear and tear, gradual deterioration and/or rust
• Mysterious disappearance of property

Liability coverage exclusions:

• Loss arising from mechanical, amusement or carnival-type rides
• Loss arising from rodeo events or animal racing
• Loss arising from or involving a communicable disease, including E. coli
• Drones (unless endorsed to coverage)
• Loss arising out of a covered party’s involvement with gaming activities
• Liquor liability when selling alcohol
• Loss arising from fireworks displays
• Loss arising from racing, speed, demolition or stunting activities
• Involving property loaned to the fair or in the fair’s care, custody and control

Generally, special events coverage is necessary when a member sponsors an event or activity that is not covered, or excluded, under the MCIT Coverage Document. When exclusions apply, members are encouraged to weigh the risk. If a decision is made to host the event, members have options outside of MCIT to ensure that they are covered.

Members are highly encouraged to contact their MCIT risk management consultant at 866.547.6516 to discuss:

• Options for securing coverage for special events
• Various risk transfer techniques
• All questions they have about MCIT coverage, conditions and exclusions.

MCIT consultants want to help ensure that members are best positioned for their fair operations.