Ice and snow warnings reinforce employer responsibility

As the Met Office has continued to issue ice and snow warnings for Greater Manchester this winter, it should serve as a reminder to employers throughout the region that they must ensure that their workers are not put at risk.

Adverse conditions such as ice and snow can greatly increase the risk of slips, trips and falls – the consequences of which can range from minor grazes and bruises to much more serious injuries such as broken bones and concussions.

The best way for employers to minimise the risks caused by icy and snowy conditions is to clear any affected surfaces on the premises. This includes any access points that could be used by employees, customers, clients, or any other member of the public.

How employers are expected to
handle icy and snowy surfaces

Firstly, the entry to a workplace should be checked for ice and snow. Whether this is a path or a set of concrete stairs, the employer is responsible for identifying the risk and taking action against it.

Clearing and salting of surfaces should be done in a thorough fashion and on a regular basis – it is likely that they will need to be tackled more than once. This sort of diligence ensures that surfaces remain clear and accessible for employees coming in and out of the workplace.

Boiling water should not, under any circumstances, replace the clearing and gritting process – it can in fact make the surface even more unsafe than it was initially. If temperatures are below freezing, boiling water will quickly freeze on the ground, which will create yet more ice and heighten the risk of slips rather than minimise it.

Have you slipped on ice or snow at work?

If you have been injured at work because of ice or snow that was not properly cleared, you may be entitled to make an Accident at Work Claim. If so, call and speak to Sheldon Davidson Solicitors, the Manchester Personal Injury Specialists.

Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are personal injury claim specialists with expertise in settling a broad range of Personal Injury Claims, including everything from Child Injury Claims to Medical Negligence Claims, such as Nerve Injury Claims. We have a strong record of obtaining practical financial support and high-quality medical care for our clients. To find out more about pursuing your claim, contact our team or fill in our online claim form.