10 Tips to Prevent Slip and Falls on Your Property this Winter

Attention: homeowners and business owners! Winter is coming. While the cold season also brings the warmth of spending time with your family, there are chilling hazards that also come along with it. One of the most common risks that can occur during winter is slipping and falling on your property. Read our 10 Tips to Prevent Slip and Falls on Your Property this Winter.

Fortunately, there are many ways you can prevent these accidents from happening to you, your family or pedestrians. Whether you’re dealing with snow, ice, rain, or sleet, here are some tips for preventing slips and falls on your property this winter.

But first…

U.S. 2022-2023 Winter Forecast

With winter quickly approaching, many Americans are preparing for the cold and slippery weather ahead. According to the U.S. 2022-2023 winter forecast, we can expect earlier, heavier, and colder snow seasons across the country with the projected temperature reaching -40°F. Moreover, expect winter storms in areas like the Midwest and Northeastern parts of the U.S.

Furthermore, New England is expected to have a colder-than-average plus much more perilous winter season than other locations. As a result, being extra vigilant in preventing slips and falls on your property this winter is a must.

Northeast – MetroWest Insurance Agency brings you tips on slip-and-fall-proofing your property. Whether you’re a homeowner or an entrepreneur, these tips will prove most valuable this coming winter.

Tips for Preventing Slips and Falls on Residential Properties

Here are tips to help you scratch off slips and falls from your Christmas list:

1. Do some outdoor snow removal. The foremost step in preventing slips and falls is to clear your property of snow and ice. Snow may accumulate fast so clearing walkways and driveways of snow may prevent accidents. You can do this manually using shovels or with a snow blower.

2. Repair damaged walkways. Even without snow, areas prone to wear-and-tear like walkways can lead to trips. It’s best to check for hazards like potholes and cracks and repair them before winter sets in.

3. Use non-slip tapes. These gritty and easy-to-apply tapes add an extra layer of protection from slippy floors and stairs.

4. Place stair treads. Aside from protecting stairs from daily traffic that damages their surfaces, stair treads also improve safety by preventing slips.

5. Use absorbent mats. Wet indoor floors are just as hazardous as icy outdoor walkways for causing slips and fall accidents. Absorbent mats keep your floorboards free of moisture that makes them slippery.

6. Install some lighting. It’s hard to stay safe when you can’t see where you’re stepping. Outdoor lights are helpful in keeping your property visible to you and pedestrians.

Tips for Preventing Slips and Falls on Commercial Properties

For business owners and commercial property owners, please refer to the above homeowner tips as well as the recommendations below:

1. Familiarize yourself with municipal ordinances. Every municipality has its respective ordinances and codes when it comes to winter property maintenance. Make sure you read up on these and disseminate the information to your team.

2. Draft and implement a snow removal plan. It is better to be prepared and have a plan in place than scrambling to deal with an emergency. Creating a snow removal plan gives your company accountability in keeping the team and everyone else safe. This plan covers the duties and responsibilities, selecting contractors, equipment used, and frequency of removal.

3. Assign weather-monitoring personnel. Aside from a plan, designating a weather-monitoring officer for the day is a good practice. This allows everyone else to focus on their work while the assigned officer monitors weather movement.

4. Perform incident investigations ASAP. If accidents do happen, make sure that an investigation happens promptly.

Maintaining your property may look like an additional burden, but it is a must. Preventing slips and falls on your property this winter not only keeps people safe but protects you from legal repercussions should an accident occur.

Our team here at Northeast – MetroWest Insurance Agency wishes you a safe and happy winter season. Click this link if you are interested in a Home Owners Policy. On the other hand, if by chance you are a commercial property owner we can also assist you with a Commercial Property Owners Policy.