The Risks of Not Keeping Your Business Free of Snow and Ice

Nova Scotia law makes it clear: all business owners must ensure their property is reasonably safe for visitors. Failing to do so can result in visitors and employees suffering sprains, strains, broken bones, and more from incidents like slip and fall accidents.

The number of hospitalizations due to falls on ice in Canada make them the number one cause of winter injuries. For Nova Scotia workers, slips, trips, and falls on slippery or snowy surfaces are the third most common cause of workplace injury. One way to mitigate the risks of someone hurting themselves on your property is to make sure your commercial property is free of snow and ice.

Snow and Ice Removal

Removing snow and ice from your property doesn’t just lessen a person’s risk of slipping and falling, it also decreases your liability. Clearing sidewalks, steps, and porches of ice and snow is a chore, but it’s one that will save you a lot of trouble in the long run. Plus, if you neglect to shovel your walkways and parking lots, you’re potentially losing business because people don’t want to risk visiting your property.

While Nova Scotia’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal handles snow and ice control for streets, roads, and highways, it’s an owner’s responsibility to handle slick conditions at their place of business.

There are some fairly simple steps you can take to make sure your property is safe:

• Remove all ice and snow from driveways, sidewalks, stairs, and ramps. Apply salt or sand when needed and keep areas well-lit, especially during evening hours.
• Snow and ice can also be tracked indoors. Wet and slippery floors should be mopped and dried as often as necessary. Some businesses use carpet or rubber runners during wintry conditions.

Better Safe Than Sorry

Even the best-run business runs the risk of an accident occurring, particularly when Mother Nature is involved. Remember, the best way to avoid liability for slips and falls is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Be diligent about keeping your property free of ice and snow hazards. It will keep people safe and protect your business from lawsuits.

It’s also important to ensure your corporate liability coverage is sufficient to deal with any claims or awards that arise from on-premise accidents. OTC Insurance Brokers offers a free insurance assessment to help determine if you have the best coverage at the best price. To learn more, get in touch with us today.