Owning a business means that you're responsible and often liable for the welfare of your staff and clients. Winter can bring extra hazards and increase the possibility of accidents and injury.
6 steps you can take to protect your business, employees and clients during the winter season:
Educate your staff: Safety begins with a well-trained staff, who know that safety is a priority. Teach winter safety techniques for driving, shoveling, and anything else you're asking your employees to do in extreme weather. Review procedures for reporting injuries, and take steps to create a culture where reporting safety violations is encouraged and rewarded.
Maintain your location: Icy, slippery roads and walkways create some of the most common winter hazards at work; but they're also some of the easiest to take care of. Be sure the roads and walkways around your business are clear, de-iced, and well maintained to prevent injuries to employees and pedestrians.
Have a safety plan: Winter weather can create unique hazards, and it's important to consider them before they happen. Make sure you know what you will do if your business is shut down due to weather, your employees can't get to work, or the building you work in sustains damage from a storm or flood. Purchase extra insurance ahead of time to prevent major losses from any serious business interruptions.
Practice safe driving: Winter driving can present seriously dangerous situations for those traveling on the job or simply trying to make it into work. Make sure your staff is well-trained in winter driving techniques and that all vehicles being used for company business are in good shape and equipped for winter weather.
Use proper snow removal techniques: Chances are, someone on your staff (or maybe it's you) is responsible for clearing snow and ice from around your business. Make sure these workers are trained on proper lifting and shoveling techniques, and that they are in good health before embarking on any strenuous activity.
Plan for winter hazards: Make sure outside workers especially understand the hazards of winter weather, including hypothermia, frostbite, accidents, and other emergencies. Learn the signs, strategies and solutions for dealing with those unique challenges that extreme weather can present, and help your staff to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Remember, it's up to you to promote a culture of caring and safe practices for your business, staff and clients.
For any business insurance questions, call or contact InSouth Insurance Services today.