For instance, boards should seriously consider adopting a snowplowing policy. A town is in a much better position to defend against a snow related claim when it can show that it was carrying out its snow removal activities in accordance with a well thought out written policy. However, caution must be taken with the adoption of written policies because they can also be used against the town if the board fails to follow it. Therefore, if a board determines a written policy would be beneficial, draft it very carefully, update it as needed, and be sure it is being properly implemented. One of the most common ways to shift all or a portion of particular risks to others is by agreement.
Contracts can contain bond requirements as well as hold harmless and indemnification clauses.
Of course, simply making sure the contractors the town works with are adequately insured is an important first step. Also, as part of granting permission to someone, in certain cases the board can require the person asking for the permission to include the town as an additional insured on their insurance policy. Being named on someone else's policy can provide an additional layer of protection for the town.