Winter is approaching – are you ready?

As a business owner, we may not think about winter months approaching and little things that are important to think about to prepare for the harsh, cold months ahead for both our businesses and our employees. Things like freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can cause business interruptions and safety concerns as well as property damage. The best way to reduce risk is to be proactive and prepare! Here are some tips to help prepare both your business and employees for the upcoming winter months:

Building and Property: Take time to inspect and repair roofs, gutters, and downspouts. Seal windows and doors to prevent drafts, and check insulations in walls, attics, and crawl spaces. These things help to prevent water intrusion, ice dams, and heat loss.

Plumbing: Insulate exposed pipes, especially in unheated areas, and know how to shut off water in case of burst pipes, reducing risk of frozen or burst pipes and water damage.

Heating Systems: Service and test heating equipment before cold weather sets in, replace filters, and check thermostats for accuracy. Regular maintenance ensures reliable heat and energy efficiency throughout the year, but especially during harsh winter months.

Snow and Ice Removal: Establish a snow and ice removal plan for walkways, parking lots, and entrances early, and stock up on salt, sand, and shovels or contract with a removal service early. This helps prevent slip-and-fall accidents and keeps your property accessible.

Emergency Preparedness: If you have them, test backup generators, and emergency lighting, review your business continuity plan with staff, and update emergency contact lists, minimizing downtime during power outages and severe weather events.

Employee Safety: Train employees on winter safety protocols (slip and fall prevention, property footwear, reporting hazards) and encourage safe driving for employees who travel for work. Have regular safety meetings. This protects your team and reduces liability risks.

Involving and communicating with your employees is essential to being proactive in preparing for winter months as well. Communicate your winter safety plan and expectations clearly to everyone and make sure everyone is aware. Provide training on identifying and reporting hazards such as icy walkways or leaks. Encourage employees to dress appropriately for the weather and use provided safety equipment. Assign responsibilities for snow and ice removal or emergency response as needed and foster a culture of safety where employees feel empowered to speak up about concerns. Have safety meetings or competitions or offer prizes and make it fun!

Regularly review your insurance program with your agent as well. Ensure your property and liability policies are up to date and provide adequate protection for winter-specific risks. Keep records of maintenance and safety measures in case you need to file a claim. These records can assist in documentation if needed. Understand how to report a loss quickly should an incident occur. Your team at Dimond Bros. is here to help you prepare for winter and respond to any questions you may have. We offer guidance on risk management and loss prevention, assistance with claims reporting and resolution. Remember early preparation is the best defense against winter hazards. Protect your business, your employees, and your peace of mind by being proactive – and we are here to help you.

FOR OCIP QUESTIONS OR INQUIRIES – EMAIL OCIP@DIMONDBROS.COM

This article is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel or an insurance professional for appropriate advice.