Canada’s harsh winter conditions bring a heightened risk of slip, trip, and fall (STF) incidents due to snow and ice accumulation on driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. According to industry studies, STF incidents account for a significant percentage of winter-related injuries, leading to costly claims and disruptions. These hazards often result in significant injuries like sprains and fractures, posing serious risks to employees, visitors, and businesses. Implementing a well-planned snow removal program is crucial for reducing these risks, protecting occupants, and mitigating potential liability claims.
Conduct Pre-Season Inspections
Start early because preparation is key. Before winter begins, conduct a thorough inspection of your premises to identify and address STF hazards. Focus on:
- Potholes in asphalt
- Cracked, broken or sunken walkways
- Uneven parking curbs
In addition to addressing hazards directly in the path of pedestrians, remember to handle potential dangers that linger just above:
- Ensure downspouts are directed away from pedestrian pathways to prevent water accumulation, which can freeze into hazardous ice patches.
- Evaluate lighting conditions to ensure walkways and high-traffic areas are well-lit. Adequate lighting during darker winter mornings and evenings is essential for preventing STF incidents.
Addressing these issues during warmer months minimizes risks when freezing weather arrives.
Snow Removal Best Practices
Managing Snow Removal In-House
If snow removal is managed internally, designate a responsible person, such as a property manager or maintenance staff, to oversee operations. Maintaining detailed documentation is essential for defending against claims or lawsuits. Your logs should include:
- Date and time of snow removal activities.
- Weather conditions
- Specific work completed (e.g., snow shoveling, salt application)
- Names of individuals performing and supervising the work
- Quantity of salt or sand applied.
Consider taking photographic evidence of treated areas to further support your records. In Ontario, it is important to note that incidents involving minors have a unique legal consideration: the standard two-year limitation period for filing a claim does not begin until the minor reaches the age of majority (18 years old). As a result, proper documentation remains crucial for any potential long-term liability.
For effective monitoring, consider using weather-tracking apps or tools to stay ahead of temperature drops and precipitation patterns. Apps such as WeatherCAN or The Weather Network can provide timely alerts to ensure salt or sand is applied when needed.
Prevent Ice Reformation
Snow melting during sunny periods can create water accumulation, which often freezes into ice as temperatures drop. To mitigate this:
- Monitor weather and temperature changes to determine when additional salt or sand application is necessary
- Place salt bins and shovels at key locations to ensure materials are easily accessible when needed
Address Indoor Hazards
Snow and slush tracked indoors can create slippery surfaces, particularly on:
- Terrazzo, stone, ceramic, or marble flooring
Mitigate indoor STF risks by:
- Placing anti-slip mats at entrances
- Using wet floor signage in areas where water accumulates
- Establishing a cleaning schedule to address wet or slippery floors promptly
Encourage Reporting of Hazardous Conditions
A proactive approach includes encouraging tenants, employees, or visitors to report hazardous conditions. Consider implementing:
- Online reporting tools or mobile apps for quick and easy submissions
- Posted signs or bulletin boards with clear instructions and visuals on how to report hazards
This collaborative effort helps identify and address issues before they lead to STF incidents.
Hiring a Snow Removal Contractor
For businesses outsourcing snow removal, follow these key steps:
- Formalize the Agreement: Draft a written contract outlining the scope of work, including:
- Services provided (e.g., snow plowing, salting)
- Schedule and timelines
- Payment terms
- Legal Review: Have a legal professional review the contract to ensure it does not expose your business to unjustified risks.
- Verify Liability Insurance: Ensure the contractor has liability insurance and names you as an additional insured on their policy — This protects your business in case of contractor-related injuries or claims.
- Request Documentation: Require the contractor to provide logs and photographic evidence of their work. GPS tracking can further confirm site visits and completed services.
For clarity, consider including specific language in the contract, such as:
- “The contractor agrees to perform snow removal services, including snow plowing, shoveling, and salting, within 4 hours of any snowfall exceeding two centimeters. The contractor will document all completed work with time-stamped logs and photographs, which will be provided to the property owner within 24 hours of service completion.”
Ensure you have adequate liability coverage
Slip, trip and fall claims on your property can lead to costly settlements and business disruptions. Speak to a broker to ensure your business insurance policy includes adequate coverage for liability claims.
To summarize
An effective snow removal program significantly reduces STF risks and potential claims. Remember these key takeaways when protecting your business against winter hazards:
- Conduct Pre-Season Inspections: Identify and repair STF hazards before winter.
- Document In-House Efforts: Log snow removal activities, monitor temperatures, and maintain indoor safety measures.
- Foster Reporting: Encourage tenants and visitors to report hazards promptly.
- Choose Contractors Wisely: Formalize agreements, confirm liability insurance, and request detailed documentation.
Implementing these proactive measures as part of a well-structured snow removal plan helps businesses ensure safer premises during the winter months, protect visitors and employees, and minimize exposure to costly liability claims.
