SAFETY GUIDANCE ON CLEARING SNOW AND ICE IS WELCOMED
There are
far too many health and safety myths, which is why clear government guidance for
businesses on what they should and shouldn't do during this snowy and icy period
is to be welcomed, the health and safety advisor and employment law specialist Bibby Consulting & Support has
said.
One of the
biggest misconceptions companies have is that if they attempt to clear paths on
their premises and someone falls they are responsible and liable to an injury
claim.
"The fact
is," says Michael Slade, Managing Director of Bibby Consulting & Support,
“anyone can clear snow and ice to prevent slips and falls without fear of
incurring demands for compensation, but they do need to follow certain
procedures and have cleared the area carefully. I’m pleased to see that the
Directgov website is now giving this guidance to the wider business community,
which is something we have told clients for many
years."
Tips to
ensure maximum health and
safety as temperatures drop include
clearing snow and ice early in the day to prevent it packing together, putting
salt or sand down before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight, paying extra
attention to steps and steep pathways, and not shovelling the snow into places
that could cause inconvenience. Also, hot water should never be used to clear a
path because if it freezes and turns to invisible and slippery black ice this
will increase the risk of injuries.
"Frustratingly,
health and safety issues are increasingly being blurred by myths," says Slade,
"so any guidance that clears up the confusion is to be welcomed. Essentially,
companies must always make every effort to ensure that their employees operate
in a safe environment. Likewise, the health and safety of customers or anyone
visiting a business's premises should be paramount at all
times."
Senior
managers or company directors who need specialist advice on what their
obligations are during this cold snap can contact Bibby Consulting &
Support’s 24 hour help line on 08453 100 600.
There are
far too many health and safety myths, which is why clear government guidance for
businesses on what they should and shouldn't do during this snowy and icy period
is to be welcomed, the health and safety advisor and employment law specialist Bibby Consulting & Support has
said.
