Tips to Manage Winter Weather Risks in the Workplace

Harsh snowstorms have already hit several areas of Canada this year, with an early October storm in Manitoba leading to a state of emergency as 21,000 homes and businesses lost power.

Winter weather can create serious risks for both your organization’s property and your employees. Extreme cold and winter storms can cause water pipes to burst, put extra strain on equipment and structures, reduce visibility and turn the parking lot into a slipping hazard. Any of these hazards could result in devastating company consequences—including business interruption, lowered productivity levels and the potential for costly liability concerns.

Fortunately, there are a variety of risk management methods that your organization can implement to help keep both your property and your staff safe in the midst of dangerous winter weather conditions:

Indoor measures

Taking a closer look inside your property, be sure to maintain an adequate level of heating to prevent frozen or burst pipes (minimum 4°C), ensure adequate building insulation, check that stopcocks are in working order, store temperature-sensitive materials safely, and establish an effective weather-related emergency response plan.

Outdoor measures

Beyond your property’s doors, plan for safe methods of snow and ice removal (e.g. de-icing and gritting) from your property’s roof and parking lot. Additionally, conduct annual inspections and maintenance to ensure roofs, gutters, pipes and drains are in good condition and free from blockages.

Insurance solutions

Above all, it’s vital to purchase robust insurance coverage for your organization to ensure ultimate peace of mind against winter weather disasters. Key insurance solutions include business property and contents coverage, public liability coverage and employment liability insurance. For more information, contact Scrivens today.