You might have a thriving business that is only becoming more successful as the years progress, but if you don't have the right health and safety protocol, you could risk tarnishing your company's reputation.

During the colder months, winter maintenance is essential if you want to avoid slips and trips on ice. If a worker or guest should slip on an untreated path or surface, your company could be liable and it could end up costing thousands.thre

Why Is De-Icing Important?

Slips and trips are the most common workplace injury, accounting for more than 30% of all injuries reported. If you want to reduce the chances of your workers falling and making a claim, then it's important to take care of snow or ice in the winter months.

Gritting is the most obvious way to do this and you'll need to check the weather and put the salt out before the snow and ice can settle. However, make sure you get every path and not just the main ones; failing to do so can lead to an accident which could cost a company tens of thousands of pounds, depending on the circumstances.

Real-Life Case Studies

You might think that lawsuits and claims for slipping on ice are just stories, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Many victims have searched online for "I've slipped on ice at work can I sue?" and found a lawyer who can fight their case; they are fully entitled to sue your business.

In fact, many large companies have had to payout for slips on ice that took place on their premises. One case occurred in January 2017, when a 33-year-old man slipped on ice while on shift at his work depot. The result was a fractured arm and a 10% loss of mobility function in the injured arm. The claimant won more than £4000 for his case, which his workplace had to payout.

Hire A Professional

De-icing might be an afterthought and seem like an unnecessary expense that could be invested elsewhere. However, if you want to uphold your company’s reputation and avoid getting into legal debt, then leave it to the professionals. At Weedfree Landscapes we know exactly how to keep the outside of the workplace safe and ice-free, clearing paths and walkways you wouldn’t have even thought of.

If you want to make sure all of your surfaces are safe and free from ice, then contact a member of Weedfree Landscapes who will happily talk through the services we provide.

Image source: Pixabay