De-risking is the process of identifying and reducing potential risks that could negatively impact a business, project or investment over time. It involves proactively taking steps to prevent problems before they happen, helping to improve long-term stability and protect against loss.
De-risking is essentially a more formal way of saying you’re reducing or minimizing risk. It’s a strategy used across many industries — including by propane retailers — to protect people, property and business operations. While the term might sound technical, it’s something propane companies do every day, often without even realizing it.
For example, let’s say you have a customer whose driveway includes a homemade bridge that looks unstable. You know that sending a bobtail truck across it could be dangerous; not only could the bridge collapse, but your driver could be seriously injured and your equipment badly damaged. In this situation, you decide to stop delivering propane to that customer until they provide a safe, stable access point. That decision isn’t just about convenience — it’s a deliberate move to avoid unnecessary risk. That’s de-risking. You’re protecting your drivers, your equipment and your company’s liability by choosing not to put people in a hazardous situation.
So, while it may sound like a buzzword, de-risking is something responsible propane retailers already do. It’s about making smart decisions that reduce exposure to accidents, lawsuits, insurance claims and costly downtime.
Insurance companies also practice de-risking, especially when dealing with high-risk industries like hazmat operations, including propane. De-risking in this context means identifying businesses that present a higher potential for accidents, claims or regulatory violations — and taking steps to reduce that exposure. For example, if an insurance provider audits a propane retailer and finds serious safety or compliance issues, they may decide that the risk of insuring that business is too high. As a result, the provider could choose to increase premiums, limit coverage or even deny coverage altogether. In some cases, the insurer may drop the policy unless the problems are resolved within a certain time frame.
If your propane company is labeled high-risk, it can mean higher costs, fewer coverage options and pressure to quickly fix issues. That’s why it’s important to take audit results seriously and address them with the help of professionals who understand both the propane industry and insurance expectations.
In the insurance world, we have noticed a growing trend: more and more providers are auditing retail propane operations as part of their risk management process. These audits often result in detailed reports that highlight various compliance issues, which retailers are required to correct within a specific time frame in order to maintain their insurance coverage. Failing to meet these deadlines can lead to increased premiums, policy cancellations or denial of future claims.
As a result, many propane retailers find themselves overwhelmed, trying to interpret complex audit findings and implement the necessary changes quickly. In most cases, they seek the help of experienced consultants who understand industry regulations and insurance requirements to help navigate the process, resolve issues efficiently and avoid business disruptions.
By taking proactive steps, propane retailers can avoid the stress of a bad audit and show insurance providers that they run a safe, compliant and professional operation. The result? Better coverage, more trust from insurers and greater peace of mind. Here are some ways your propane company can avoid unnecessary risks.
1. Keep Accurate & Updated Records
Make sure all documentation — such as employee training records, delivery logs, maintenance reports and safety inspection forms — is complete, organized and easy to access. Auditors rely heavily on paperwork to evaluate your operation, so neat and current records make a strong impression.
2. Maintain Compliance With Safety Regulations
Follow all federal, state and local safety rules, including Occupation Safety and Health Administration, Department of Transportation and National Fire Protection Association standards. Regularly review and update your procedures to make sure they reflect current laws. This includes proper tank placement, valve inspections, fire safety and correct labeling of hazardous materials.
3. Train Your Team Regularly
Your employees should be trained on safety procedures, emergency response and how to properly handle propane equipment. Keep written proof of training and refresh courses regularly. A well-trained team is a sign of a responsible and safety-minded company.
4. Conduct Internal Safety Audits
Don’t wait for your insurance company to find problems — do your own safety checks. Walk through your facilities and delivery procedures to spot any hazards, out-of-date equipment or areas where rules aren’t being followed. Fix issues right away and keep a log of what was found and corrected.
5. Maintain Equipment & Vehicles
Regular maintenance of tanks, hoses, trucks and other equipment shows that you take safety seriously. Keep a maintenance schedule and make sure repairs are done promptly. Well-maintained equipment lowers the risk of accidents, which is something auditors look for.
6. Document Incident Reports Thoroughly
If an accident or safety incident does occur, document it in detail. Include what happened, when and where it happened, who was involved and what was done to correct the issue. Showing that you learn from mistakes and take corrective action can be beneficial during an audit.
7. Consider Hiring a Consultant
If you’re unsure about your level of compliance or want to be extra prepared, a propane consulting company can help. Consultants know what auditors look for and can point out areas you might miss. They can also help you create better systems to stay audit-ready all year-round.
