Preparing to welcome winter and protect your customers

Winter weather is not that far distant which means soon enough you will need to take extra precautions to protect your customers. Neglecting to plan ahead could result in a costly premise liability case if a customer suffers an injury on your property.

Keeping your highly-trafficked walkways clear of snow and ice requires a persistent and conscious effort. Your diligence can mitigate the safety hazards for anyone who frequents your store, including your employees.

Conduct training

Shoveling snow is a great way to keep the premises of your business safe and appealing during the winter season. However, there are strategies for snow and ice removal that can optimize your time and improve overall effectiveness.

Teach your employees how to participate in and complete the process of snow removal. Instruct them on how to properly remove snow and salt pathways. Inform them of hazards to watch for so they can prevent unnecessary dangers from causing harm to an unsuspecting customer. The U.S. Small Business Administration recommends that immediately following a winter storm, you update your employees on the next steps including when to complete snow removal, as well as individual responsibilities.

Adjust scheduling

Snow removal might require you to modify work schedules so your employees can complete their duties prior to opening. Use email or another effective form of communication to keep your employees informed of changes to work schedules, responsibility rotations and weather updates.

There are other things you can consider to reduce the amount of time your employees spend on snow removal, such as installing outdoor heaters. Preventing the hazards that accompany snow and ice can keep your premises appealing and, more importantly, safer for your guests and employees.