Businesses warned to be careful of accidents in bad weather

Businesses need to be careful to prevent accidents on their premises during treacherous weather conditions, a business insurer has warned.

According to Direct Line for Business, businesses could be liable if staff or customers slipped on ice and owners were unable to show that care had been taken to limit the possibility of an accident.

The insurer has offered businesses tips to minimise such risks including making sure that if members of the public or employees use any part of a premises such as a walkway, any ice there is cleared or gritted. It warned that even if a person walked across a pub's car park and slipped, the owner could be liable.

Business need to mop up any wet floors caused by ice or snow and warning signs must be placed to alert people to the danger of slipping.

As melting snow falling from roofs can also cause injury, action should be taken to cordon off the area where the snow might fall onto people and warning signs placed around the area, Direct Line for Business warned.

The insurer has emphasised that staff should also be trained and aware of the correct action to take to avoid any potential dangers, especially in cases where the owner is not there all the time.

Kate Syred, head of Direct Line for Business said: "With the recent snow fall now turning into ice, it is essential that business owners think about how to mitigate any potential dangers for their customers and staff. It is also worth ensuring they have the appropriate insurance in the event of any accidents, as although employers' liability insurance is compulsory by law, public liability is not."