Harsh winter conditions are stressful for business owners. Inclement weather can wreak havoc on the building your company operates out of and create an unsafe environment for your customers and employees. As such, the potential for personal injury increases, so if you don’t take the proper precautions, you could be held liable for any damages that occur. Here are a few ways to limit the risk of hazards and maintain a safe workplace.

How to Protect Your Customers & Employees in Winter

1. Keep Floors Free of Spills & Obstructions

Slip and falls are some of the most common types of personal injury claims filed. To prevent them, keep floors clear and free of any obstructions that may present a tripping hazard. Clean up any leaks or spills right away. Also, in the winter, your customers and employees track in snow, so lay down walk-off mats or install absorbent carpeting to eliminate wet surfaces.

2. Clear Walkways of Snow & Ice

Snow and ice-covered sidewalks and walkways are a major liability for companies. Whether you hire a snow removal service or designate someone to shovel, it’s important to immediately clear all paths that customers and employees travel on to enter your business. Ensure that whoever takes care of it doesn’t place it in a way that poses a new danger.

3. Highlight Potentially Hazardous Situations  

Poor visibility and improper warnings play a large role in many personal injury cases. Bring all potentially hazardous situations to the attention of customers and employees so they can proceed through the area with caution. Use adequate lighting, signage, and floor markings.

The more safety precautions you take in the winter, the less exposed your business will be to costly liabilities. Unfortunately, even when preventive measures are implemented, accidents happen. If faced with a personal injury suit, the legal team at Coyne, Cundiff & Hillemann, PC, in Lake St. Louis, MO, have over 75 years of experience and offer quality legal counsel and representation. Call (636) 561-5599 to schedule a consultation, and visit them online to learn more about premises liability.