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Attention please: Winter weather advisory

Winter weather presents unique risks and exposures.  These include both injuries to employees, guests and the public as well as damage to property.

Injuries to people from winter weather include hypothermia and slips and falls.  For workers outside, make sure that they are properly dressed including winter coats, gloves and boots.  Limited exposure to below freezing temperatures and the availability of a warming station should be considered as part of the workplace strategy.

Since those entering the premises will carry snow and ice on their footwear, provide carpeting near entrances and clean up water regularly.  Wet floor signs may be appropriate.

Walkways and parking lots must be clear of ice and snow.  If a contractor is used for snow removal, a contract should be in place and reviewed by an attorney.  Your attorney should confirm that the contract is fit for purpose.

In severe winter weather, a plan for staff needs to be written, practiced and distributed.  You should consider whether it is appropriate to include early closure, work at home provisions, and emergency communications.

Once employees, customers and visitors are safe, best practices should be taken to prevent property damage.  They may include the following:

  • Inspect and run snow removal equipment and inventory supplies a month or two before the cold weather season.
  • Safely remove snow from the roof if there is a possibility of collapse from the weight.
  • Monitor snow drifts that could collapse on people or cars or block doors and windows.
  • Keep drains and gutters clear to prevent ice damming and/or water build up.
  • Keep fire hydrant(s) accessible which might require shoveling out the hydrant and pathway.
  • Maintain heating systems to ensure that they function properly to prevent pipe, systems and drain freeze.
  • Keep fuel levels adequate for several days.
  • Provide remote monitoring of building temperature and water presence.
  • Establish an emergency action plan.

Be aware that it is not just falling temperatures and snow/ice that can cause winter weather damage.  Strong winds can damage buildings, make walking treacherous, down trees and cause power outages.  Your emergency plans should consider each possibility and provide a mitigation as well as a recovery strategy.

Disclaimer

The information contained herein is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal or other professional advice and should not be relied upon in lieu of consultation with your own legal and/or other professional advisors. Some of the information, examples and suggestions presented in this material may be compiled by third-party sources we consider to be reliable; however, we do not guarantee and are not responsible for the accuracy of such information. We assume no duty in contract, tort, or otherwise in connection with this publication and expressly disclaim, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any liability in connection with this publication. Verita CSG, Inc. does not undertake to update the information included herein after the date of publication. Accordingly, readers should be aware that certain content may have changed since the date of this publication.