Colorado winters bring some inherent risks to properties and businesses. Bad winter weather can create all sorts of hazards that lead to liability risks. Contracting a professional snow removal company is one of the most important aspects of managing winter liability risks. However, learning how to address these risks proactively is something that every property or business owner should strive for. Knowing how to minimize winter liability risks, or prevent them altogether, is crucial for your business to survive (and possibly even thrive) during the winter.
Today we’d like to share some insight into how you can manage winter risks:
How To Minimize Winter Liability Risks for Your Commercial Property or Business
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls due to ice or snow are some of the most common causes of personal injury claims in the winter. Applying de-icing materials before it snows is incredibly effective since it prevents ice from forming in the first place. Clear snow and slush from walkways and parking lots to keep it from accumulating and freezing. Installing handrails on all outdoor stairways and investing in good outdoor lighting are also great ways to increase safety. Finally, using snow mats at building entrances (both outside and inside) will help prevent slips when entering or exiting the building.
Property Damage
Winter weather can wear down your property over time and lead to expensive property damage claims. Removing any dead/low hanging branches and trees in the fall will prevent them from falling due to strong winds or ice come winter. Cleaning gutters and drainage in the fall will keep them from clogging and creating ice dams in the winter. Inspecting water run-off and making drainage improvements can keep your hardscapes from cracking due to frost action. Lastly, keeping parking lots clear will make it easier to see curbs, wheel stops, and other obstacles that could damage someone’s car or cause an injury.
Business Liability
If you are a business owner, you also have a responsibility to mitigate employment risks during winter. Although it is difficult entertaining the thought of closing your business and missing out on potential revenue, at times it may be the right decision to make. If employees do come to work, make sure they have the supplies needed for snow & ice removal and first-aid. Make sure that outdoor workers have warm, protective clothing, and keep them inside during freezing temperatures, heavy wind, and precipitation. Also, make sure that you have sufficient heating and insulation to help reduce business liability.
Business Interruption
Loss of business due to winter weather can burn a massive hole in your wallet. It’s vital to keep all areas of your property accessible to employees, tenants, and customers to minimize losses. Make sure that your property’s entrance is clear of snow and ice so that people can come and go as they please. Designate a suitable spot to store all of the pushed snow, and consider off-site snow hauling if there isn’t one. And make sure to stay stocked with the supplies needed to combat any residual snow and ice after the storm has passed.
No matter how bad the weather gets, the best way to minimize winter risk for your commercial property or business is to hire a licensed and insured commercial snow removal contractor. If you are looking for professional, dependable snow removal services for your Denver area commercial property, look no further than Snow Management Services. For over 25 years, we have helped property owners keep snow, ice, and liability risk at bay.
We offer the full range of snow and ice removal services, including sidewalk management and snow hauling. To see what we can do for your property, give us a call at (303) 750-8867 or contact us online today!