For business owners, keeping property safe—especially during hazardous weather—is a top priority. It’s critical to stay on top of snow and ice removal to prevent slip-and-fall liability during the cold weather. The snow plowing experts at Anchorage, AK’s Hillside Landscaping & Excavation offer five ways to reduce slip and fall liability at your location this winter.

Check out these tips for winter weather safety:

• Know the Law: Stay current on your area’s laws regarding snow plowing and ice removal as well as regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Legally, business owners are required to remove any hazards from their property, including parking lots, walkways, entrances, and any areas where snow and ice could pose a danger.
• Be Prepared: Don’t wait for the snow to arrive to line up your snow plowing services—making sure the snow and ice are removed as quickly as possible is key. Have a plan in place to ensure that your property is cleaned before any issues can occur, and make sure to have a solid insurance policy in place in the event of any accidents.
• Gather Your Team: Don’t rely on one person for snow removal. When the winter hits, snow plowing companies will be busy. Make sure you’re on their list and that the company you choose has more than one person running the equipment. A company with a fleet of snow plows will ensure your property is done quickly and efficiently.
• Check for Leaks: Before the cold weather sets in, inspect your property for vulnerable areas that can lead to leaks. Damage such as this will only add to liability, especially if leaky areas get icy in cold weather. Inspect roofs for any weak spots that will only get worse with the weight of snow and ice, and be sure gutters are cleared to prevent backups and ice damage.
• Post Signs: Especially for particularly treacherous areas of your property, always post signs to let people know to proceed with caution. Mark off dangerous areas as clearly as possible until the danger is removed and any damage is fixed. Make sure signs are not in areas that will be covered by snow, and use large signs with bright colors to make them stand out. Signs should also be posted inside near entrances to prevent slips where people have tracked in snow and ice from outside.