LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwire) -- 12/11/12 -- As retailers look to hang up the tinsel and dust off the decorations for Christmas, Swinton Commercial, one of the UK's leading business insurance brokers, is advising business owners not to let festive cheer put their customers and staff at risk.

Even the simplest seasonal decorations such as loose wires from Christmas lights or glass from a broken bauble can present a very real hazard to a member of the public or a member of staff.

Statistics show that around 80,000 people will be admitted to hospital with Christmas related injuries each year.

For business owners, this statistic could prove costly without the correct insurance policy. For example, public liability insurance from Swinton provides cover for business owners against claims made by members of the public who have sustained injuries or damage to property whilst on your premises.

Swinton Commercial is offering the following tips to business owners to safeguard themselves from claims against their business:

--  To avoid trips and falls, ensure all wires are taped securely to
    surfaces and are clearly visible 
    
--  Low hanging wires or decorations could cause a hazard for taller
    customers, so should be avoided 
    
--  Make sure to keep aisles free from clutter to avoid tripping hazards 
    
--  Use plastic rather than glass baubles to avoid injuries caused by broken
    glass 
    
--  To avoid fire hazards, do not keep tinsel and other flammable objects
    close to shop floor heaters or open flames 
    
--  Do not place electrical items near wet surfaces or places likely to come
    into contact with water 
    
--  Christmas trees should be carefully positioned to avoid obstructing
    walkways and fire exits 
    

Brian Greenfield, Chartered Insurance Broker at Swinton Commercial, said: "Although many retailers will be looking to add a little festive cheer to their premises, it is important to remember the health and safety risks that can be presented by something as straight forward as putting up a string of Christmas lights.

"Public liability cover is essential for most types of business, with policies that can be tailored to suit the needs of individual business owners. It also covers legal liability to pay damages to members of the public who sustain an injury or damage to their property while on your premises, providing added security should the worst happen."

Notes to Editors:

About Swinton Commercial:

As one of the UK's leading commercial insurance brokers, Swinton Commercial has the expertise and industry knowledge to provide you with highly competitive business insurance that's tailored to your needs.

With 35 branches across the UK, including 19 regional centres, Swinton Commercial has quickly established itself as the UK's local broker, offering a dedicated team of advisors with specialist industry knowledge in many sectors.

Your local Commercial Account Executive has an in-depth understanding of the insurance market in your area and will arrange a face-to-face appointment with you, taking the time to thoroughly understand your business and its specific requirements.

We cater for most types of business - from small start-ups to well-established organisations, comparing quotes from leading UK insurers to find you the right level of insurance, at the right price.

What's more, our award-winning offering has over 80,000 business customers - and we're growing fast.

Visit www.swintoncommercial.co.uk for more information or call 0800 954 3802.