As winter settles in across Wisconsin, the risk of slip-and-fall accidents increases—especially for businesses. Ice, snow, and tracked-in water create hazardous conditions that can result in injury and liability claims. The good news: with a few proactive steps, you can reduce risks and help keep everyone safe.
Keep Your Walkways Safe
Slippery walkways are one of the most common sources of winter-related claims. Make sure your exterior paths and building entrances are properly managed.
- Shovel and salt sidewalks, stairs, and parking lots regularly.
- Keep a maintenance log showing dates and times snow and ice were cleared.
- Ensure downspouts don’t drain onto walkways.
- Watch for black ice near entrances and curbs.
Maintain Interior Safety
Once snow is tracked inside, floors can become just as hazardous. Interior maintenance is just as important as outdoor care.
- Place high-quality rugs at all entrances and replace them when soaked.
- Clean up wet areas right away and use wet floor signs.
- Repair or replace torn rugs, curled mats, and loose flooring.
Document Everything
Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. Solid documentation can protect your business if a claim is filed.
- Complete an incident report immediately after any slip or fall.
- Save surveillance video—don’t record over it, even if the person seems uninjured.
- Take photos of the area where the incident occurred.
Reduce Liability Exposure
A little planning can go a long way toward preventing costly claims and keeping your premiums in check.
- Train your staff on winter safety procedures and reporting steps.
- Assign daily safety checks for entrances and parking areas.
- Review your general liability and worker’s compensation coverage annually.
Final Tip
If someone slips and appears fine, report it anyway. Some injuries, like sprains, fractures, or back pain, may not show symptoms until days later. Claims can arise weeks after the fact, so having complete records matters.
Is your business insurance ready for winter?
Contact our commercial lines team at Professional Insurance Programs or call 800-637-4676 to review your policy and make sure you’re protected this season.