Winter weather can be beautiful to see. It can also present unique challenges for businesses. Clearing the path of snow and ice for your customers in a timely manner has many benefits. These are a few well worth remembering.
Avoid Ice Related Auto Accidents on Business Property
Whether it is customers, employees, or both, ice and snow-related auto accidents on the business property can prove to be as painful as they are costly. They set the stage for workers’ compensation complaints and liability lawsuits, not to mention the potential for property damage to the business structure, equipment, and inventory.
You might also want to consider hiring a service to keep your parking lot clear throughout the winter months. Many work for a monthly fee – regardless of the number of callouts and guarantee timely snow removal to keep up with local and/or state ordinances regarding snow removal.
Eliminates Slips and Falls on Sidewalks and in Parking Lots
Slips and falls are other liability issues that plague businesses during winter weather. Your best move is to plan ahead of the storm by pre-treating sidewalks and building entrances with ice melting products. Then have employees regularly remove snow throughout the business day (and reapply pretreatment as needed).
Slips and falls from ice are unnecessary liability issues for most businesses. However, it can sometimes be hard to keep up with heavy snowfalls or ice accumulations without being proper advanced preparation.
Shows Customers that You’re Open for Business
Taking care of the ice and snow in parking lots and on sidewalks lets customers know you’re open. Even among those who may know you’re open, many people are leery of driving into parking lots or walking on sidewalks that have not been cleared of ice and snow. The bottom line is that you’re losing business if you’re open for business and you haven’t taken the time to clear your pathways.
Follows Local Laws
It’s important to remember that not all laws and ordinances are the same. Some communities require all sidewalks and walkways to be cleared, for instance, within so many hours of the snowfall ending. Some will allow business and homeowners to wait until so many hours after first light, for snows that end after dark.
The bottom line is that most communities in snow-prone areas require businesses to remove snow in order to ensure the safety of their customers and members of the community. Make sure you adjust your snow removal procedures and practices to keep up with local laws.
Despite your best efforts, there may be times when accidents occur. That is why it’s so important for all businesses to have general liability insurance, at a minimum – just in case customers are injuries related to deep snow or ice on your property.
