Proactive Snow Removal: Key to Reducing Winter Slip-and-Fall Risks

Winter Risk Management: Reducing Slip-and-Fall Liability with Proactive Snow Removal

As winter approaches, facility managers and property owners must prioritize safety to reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents. Snow and ice create hazardous conditions, and failure to maintain walkways and parking lots can lead to costly lawsuits, injuries, and reputational damage. A proactive snow removal plan is essential to ensuring safety, minimizing liability, and keeping operations running smoothly throughout the season.

The High Cost of Slip-and-Fall Incidents

Slip-and-fall accidents are one of the leading causes of premises liability claims, often resulting in lawsuits, medical expenses, and business disruptions. Neglecting winter property maintenance can lead to:

• Expensive Legal Claims – Businesses may be held liable for injuries that occur on poorly maintained walkways or parking lots.
• Increased Insurance Costs – Frequent claims can drive up liability insurance premiums.
• Lost Business & Reputation Damage – Unsafe conditions can deter customers, tenants, and employees, impacting business revenue and trust.

A proactive approach to winter risk management is the best way to protect both people and property.

Key Steps to Reducing Winter Liability

1. Establish a Pre-Snowfall Plan

The best time to prepare for winter weather is before the first snowfall. A comprehensive snow and ice management strategy should include:

✔ Identifying high-risk areas – Entryways, walkways, parking lots, loading docks, and stairs.
✔ Contracting a professional snow removal service – Ensure you have a trusted partner in place before peak season.
✔ Stocking essential supplies – Ice melt, sand, and signage should be readily available.

2. Implement a Proactive Snow Removal Schedule

A scheduled approach ensures continuous monitoring and maintenance throughout the season. This includes:

✔ Clearing snow promptly – Timely plowing and shoveling to prevent accumulation.
✔ Using the right de-icing products – Different conditions require specific treatments (e.g., calcium chloride for extreme cold).
✔ Routine inspections – Property managers should document maintenance efforts to demonstrate due diligence.

3. Utilize Proper De-Icing Techniques

Choosing the right ice melt solutions and applying them correctly is crucial for effective snow management:

✔ Pre-treatment applications – Applying de-icers before snowfall helps prevent ice from bonding to surfaces.
✔ Consistent reapplication – Ice melt should be applied at regular intervals, especially in high-traffic areas.
✔ Environmentally safe options – Using the right products prevents damage to landscaping and pavement.

4. Keep Accurate Documentation

In the event of an accident, documentation is critical for liability protection:

✔ Log all snow removal activities – Keep records of plowing, shoveling, and de-icing applications.
✔ Take before-and-after photos – Visual documentation can provide evidence of proactive maintenance.
✔ Maintain incident reports – If a slip-and-fall occurs, document the incident immediately with photos, witness statements, and timestamps.

The Bottom Line: Prevention is the Best Defense

Waiting until snow and ice become a hazard puts businesses, employees, and customers at risk. By developing a proactive winter maintenance plan, property owners and facility managers can reduce liability, improve safety, and ensure uninterrupted operations.

At Command7, we provide professional snow and ice management solutions to help businesses stay ahead of winter risks. Contact us today at info@command7.com or visit command7.com to develop a customized winter maintenance plan that keeps your property safe all season long.