Last winter produced record breaking cold weather across the UK and widespread problems on roads, pavements and car parks amid confusion as to what individuals are both required to or are permitted from doing.
Are you prepared for this year’s cold snap?
The majority of snow and ice related accidents occur on public roads and pavements; very few are reported to happen on private premises.
What should you do to prevent your premise users from slipping on ice and snow? Should you ignore it and assume that the hazard is obvious to anyone? Do you clear it to make it safe for people? Do you clear it, but badly, and end up in a worse position than if you had done nothing?
Tips and advice on clearing snow and ice
You are only required to take such care as is reasonable – below are examples of good practice when it comes to snow and ice:-
- Start early – it’s easier to clear fresh, loose snow compared to compacted ice that has been compressed by people walking on it
- Don’t use hot water – this will melt the snow, but may replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury
- Be a good neighbour – some people may be unable to clear snow and ice on paths from their property
- If shovelling snow, think where you are going to put it so that it doesn’t block people’s paths or drainage channels
- Make a pathway down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on
- Spreading some salt on the area you have cleared will help stop ice forming – table salt or dishwasher salt will work, but avoid spreading on plants or grass as they may be damaged by it
- Pay particular care and attention to steps and steep gradients
- Use the sun to your advantage – removing the top layer of snow will allow the sun to melt any ice beneath: however you will need to cover ice with salt to stop it freezing over night
- Attempt to keep the main entrance and approach to it clear during peak times
- Pay particular attention to steps and ramps which can be extremely hazardous if covered in snow and ice
- Corden off any areas normally used by visitors if they become particularly hazardous due to the conditoions
- Check that you have sufficient mats inside the entrance to keep the internal doors clear of ice and snow deposits
You can review what you can do against the advice given on the HSE website – slips and trips FAQs page via the following link http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/faq.htm#icyconditions
or contact one of our risk managers on 0800 1244757
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