Slips and Falls Prevention – Winter Weather Tips

Slips and falls from snow- and ice-covered walking surfaces are a common cause of injuries during the winter months. Some organizations are faced with the added exposure of people coming and going at all times during the day, which increases the need to monitor snow and ice conditions frequently. To reduce the slip and fall exposures with snow and ice, organizations should develop and follow formal procedures.

Snow and Ice Removal Policies and Procedures

Snow and Ice Equipment — This photo shows equipment and supplies that should be on hand to effectively handle snow and ice removal.

Some organizations may have only their employees and/or volunteers perform snow and ice removal. Those with large parking lots and extensive sidewalks may not have the resources to do this alone and will hire a contractor. Others may employ a combination of using their own staff and outside contractors. In any case, procedures should be put in place to address snow and ice removal, including the following:

Designate someone to monitor snow and ice conditions. This individual will be responsible to coordinate snow and ice removal operations.
During the months when snow and ice will be a concern, monitor weather reports daily. This will give you advanced warning of approaching weather.
Snow and ice removal equipment should be available and ready to go, including shovels, ice melt, snow blowers, etc.
Snow removal should occur when one inch or more of snow has fallen or if ice conditions are present.
Walkways in front of entrances should have de-icing products applied.
Snow and ice will melt and water can accumulate inside the building at the entrances from foot traffic. These areas should be monitored closely for wet conditions. Make sure mats are in place and replaced if they become water logged.
Look for ice conditions that could develop on walking surfaces from runoff from roofs, downspouts and other areas.
Isolate problem areas by closing them to the general public, or install signs warning of the potential slip hazard. Make sure that by closing an area off, you are not redirecting foot traffic to other slip and trip hazards. (For example, re-routing sidewalk traffic that requires a user to step off the curb into a parking lot.)

Hiring a Contractor

If a contractor is used, the following guidelines should apply:

The workload of the contractor should be considered. The contractor should not have so many jobs that they are unable to fulfill their responsibilities.
The contractor should have the appropriate equipment required to adequately provide snow removal.
The contractor should provide you with a certificate of insurance that names your organization as an additional insured under the contractor’s insurance policy.
A written contract should be used with a hold harmless/indemnification clause included.
The areas of the organization the contractor is responsible for should be documented (that is, front and rear parking lots, sidewalks, etc.).
The contractor should have guidelines as to a maximum timeframe in which to complete the snow removal, such as after the precipitation has ended (for example, two hours) or the amount of snow that has accumulated (for example, more than one inch).

Snow and Ice Removal Log

A log documenting the steps taken to remove snow and ice can be a good defense to claims that your organization was negligent in snow or ice removal. Only adopt the use of a log, however, if your organization will consistently document all aspects of your snow and ice removal operations.

Slips and Falls Prevention – Winter Weather Tips

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Snow and Ice Removal Policies and Procedures

Hiring a Contractor

Snow and Ice Removal Log