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Businesses warned to pay due care and attention

5th February 2009 Print
After some of the most severe snow for 20 years, insurer Direct Line for Business is urging business owners to ensure they limit the possibility of customers and staff slipping and getting injured.

According to Direct Line for Business, if members of the public were to slip on ice on a business' premises and the owner had not undertaken the appropriate action, such as clearing the ice or placing relevant warning signs, they could potentially be liable if a claim was made. Businesses need to ensure they are able to demonstrate due care had been taken to minimise the likelihood of an accident.

Kate Syred, Head of Direct Line for Business says: "With the recent snow fall now turning into ice, it is essential that business owners think about how to mitigate any potential dangers for their customers and staff. It is also worth ensuring they have the appropriate insurance in the event of any accidents, as although employers' liability insurance is compulsory by law, public liability is not."

In addition to potential accidents such as people slipping on ice or water, melting snow drifts and ice can also be hazardous. In order to mitigate the risks, Direct Line has the following tips for businesses:

If members of the public or employees use any part of a business' premises such as a walkway, it is essential any ice is cleared or gritted accordingly. Even if a pedestrian walked across a shop's forecourt or a pub's car park and slipped, the business owner could be liable.

Ice and snow also mean wet floors, so it is essential it is either mopped up or warning signs are placed notifying people of the potential risk. Remember, if a floor has been mopped up it may still be slippery so warning signs should still be used.

Snow melting and falling from roofs can also be a danger. Whilst no attempt should be made to climb onto a roof to remove it, action should be taken to cordon off the area where the snow might fall onto unsuspecting pedestrians and appropriate warning signs placed around the area.

Staff should be appropriately trained and aware of the correct action to take. The business owner may not be there all the time, so it is essential employees are aware of any potential dangers and how to deal with or avoid them.