You may not want to think about winter weather yet, but now is a good time to make sure your business is prepared for the conditions that Minnesota winter brings. Regular maintenance and monitoring can help you avoid slips and falls for your clients/customers and employees. 

Preventative Maintenance That Minimizes Slip Risks

• Monitor for Damage – Check your parking lot, sidewalks and entrances for holes, cracks, potholes and other damage that can be repaired. Damage like this can collect snow and ice making prime falling opportunities.
• Check Drainage Routes – Where does water run when it comes off the roof of your building? Are downspouts placed in the places where the water won’t run across a walking path. Move the spouts and add additional spouts if neccessary.
• Replace Mats – Do you have mats outside your building and water absorbent mats inside your entry doors? Make sure they are in good condition to soak up water, ice and snow. Curled, torn edges, and cracked mats are trip hazards. Replace mats when they get worn.

Ongoing Best Practices to Avoid Slips and Falls

• Plan for Snow Removal – Is an employee in charge of snow removal or are you hiring someone? Make sure your expectations are clear regarding how much accumulations requires removal. Also, if snow removal needs to be completed by a specific time of day to accomodate employee arrival. You don’t want employess slipping on ice either! Also, if an employee is in charge of removal – do you have the right tools such as a snow blower, shovels, etc.
• Treat Sidewalks – Pretreat your sidewalks if possible when you know a storm is coming. It can help ice and snow build-up. Keep ice melt and shovels accessible throughout the day so that ongoing maintenance can be done. 
• Encourage Proper Footwear – Remind employees to wear slip-resistent shoes in winter. Provide a place for employees to keep boots or a change of shoes if possible.

Overall, be prepared. Think ahead and repair any damage to your parking lot or building. When is winter storm is looming provide a few reminders to staff about how to avoid slips and encourage them to report any issues they see that could cause a fall. EMC Insurance shared similar winter safety tips for schools. No matter what type of organization you are, winter safety is important. Stay on top of winter weather and make sure you have a plan to clear snow and ice in a timely manner. 

Does your current commercial insurance policy cover slip and fall incidents at your business? Contact your insurance agent today to confirm.