With the first blast of winter dumping snow on London for the first time in October for 74 years, companies are being advised to install grit bins to avoid claims from people falling on snow or ice on their property. Regulation 12 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work requires employers to ensure that the ” surface of every traffic route in the workplace is suitable for the purpose for which it is used and that their surfaces are not slippery or have no substance on them that exposes employees to the risk of slipping”.
“Any occupier of a commercial property is required to assess all risks and take appropriate steps. In other words, employees and anyone else visiting the company must be kept safe from the hazard that icy conditions present. Failing to do so, could lead to litigation from anyone injured on the grounds,” says, Adrian Reeve, chief executive of Birmingham based Welco, Europe’s leading supplier of workplace equipment.
Every year members of staff and people visiting companies suffer personal injuries as a result of falling on untreated icy surfaces. A study by the Health Safety Executive has revealed that 14% of slips / trips occurred in snow or ice.
The approved code of practice which supports the Workplace (Health and Safety Welfare) Regulations states, “Arrangements should be made to minimise risks from snow and ice. This may involve gritting, snow clearing and closure of some routes”
According to Reeve, there are several key steps employers can take to minimise risk. “Any company where personnel or visitors have to enter the grounds, need to install salt/grit bins. Companies with more extensive grounds need to consider vehicle-towed high capacity salt spreaders and pedestrian machines for pathways. Companies managing business parks and offices must ensure all walk ways are treated.
“Following the first snow of the year in October and the recent cold spell, we have shipped several consignments of grit bins and spreaders. Some companies have already started preparing and taking action.”
Reeve added “Industrial estate management organisations have been particularly quick to ensure their grit storage and spreading equipment is in place.”
Welco
www.welco.co.uk
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