With the recent arrival of winter and although conditions have improved a little there is still a need for business’s to be vigilant with providing a safe environment for their staff and visitors.
What are the hazards?
With these treacherous conditions comes a greater chance of incidents leading to injury, whether it be bumps on the roads or slips on the pavements.
Your employer may be liable for a personal injury claim if they neglect their duty to ensure that their premises are kept free from ice and snow (as far as reasonably possible). Many employers are so preoccupied worrying that staff, suppliers and customers won’t be able to make it to the business for it to function that they end up overlooking this responsibility.
Why is it the responsibility of the employer?
The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 states that an occupier of premises has a ‘common duty of care’ towards visitors. This means they must ensure that visitors are ‘reasonably safe in using the premises’.
Therefore, it’s essential employers are aware of the upcoming weather forecasts and put measures in place to keep visitors from potentially slipping on ice or snow on the work premises i.e. clearing snow and gritting surfaces commonly used by visitors including pathways, works yards or car parks and if necessary, closing or diverting particularly hazardous areas (they do not have to clear all traces of snow and ice from every inch of the premises).
If your employer fails to provide a safe environment.
Your employers should have the necessary resources to deal with the snow or ice and be able to carry out these measures, such as having grit or gravel available and any removal of ice or snow should take place before working hours, with particular focus on car parks, delivery areas, main entrances and exits. If they fail to take these preventative measures then they may find themselves liable to a claim.
If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall – Call us today and we will give you an honest assessment in regards to your claim and discuss a way to proceed forward. Call 0161 930 5151 or you can fill in our online contact form.
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