Business Tips for Winter Months
By Sue C. Quimby, CPCU, AU, CIC, CPIW, DAE – Assistant Vice President/Media Editor
Colder temperatures can present challenges for business owners and their employees. With the COVID pandemic and the switch to more people working remotely, the challenges were increased. Employee and client safety are as important as profits to the conscientious business owner. Threats to business, such as disease outbreaks and storm activity, can occur rapidly. Keeping track of changing exposures, and developing appropriate action plans, should be part of every business operation. Helping clients recognize and deal with winter weather challenges is another value-added service of the professional insurance agent.
Winter weather claims due to such causes as freezing, snowfall, rain, winds, flooding and mudslides, can be significant. In January 2019 alone, weather-related economic losses in the United States exceeded $1 billion, with hundreds of millions of dollars in insured losses (businessinsurance.com).
They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Attention to building and premises maintenance is especially important during the winter. Inspect roofs, windows and gutters, and repair any damage or problem areas. Trim overhanging tree branches that could fall under weight of ice and snow and damage the building, or block access. Schedule a regular review of insurance policies to ensure adequate limits and coverages are in place for property, liability and Workers’ Compensation.
Freezing pipes can be a problem, especially when the business is closed. Even if the heat is kept on, a power failure can lead to frozen and cracked pipes, with thousands of dollars in water damage to the building and contents. Special attention needs to be paid to areas such as warehouses and storage facilities that may not be heated. Pipes can be wrapped with heat tape and insulation to protect them from extreme temperatures. At minimum, a licensed and qualified plumber should inspect the plumbing for potential cracks and leaks. A generator that keeps the furnace running in a power failure is another way to reduce cold-related losses. Water flow alarms and low temperature warnings can be transmitted to an owner or manager via computer or smartphone apps when the building is closed.
With the dynamic switch to working remotely for many businesses, winter weather travel conditions may not be as much of an obstacle or hazard as they have been in the past. People who can work from home should do so during bad weather, and businesses need to have a clear policy on telecommuting. Plans should encompass power outage as well as phone and internet issues that could cause business. Interruptions.
Staying home is not an option for all businesses or employees. Outdoor workers may be more susceptible to accidents and injury during the winter months. Those who travel long distances, often alone, are vulnerable. Employers must be sure that their employees have the proper equipment, including appropriate clothing and well-maintained vehicles. All business should have a means to communicate in the event of a problem, such as building closure or loss sustained by an employee while traveling. A plan should be in place for how to continue operations during extended power outages.
On premises, slip trip and fall hazards are more prevalent when walkways and steps are snow-covered. In addition, shoveling snow presents a risk of sprains and strains, hypothermia or more seriously, heart attacks. Hiring a professional, properly insured snow removal service takes the burden off the business and its employees. Snow falling from the roof is another area of concern. Parking lots present slip and fall challenges. Improper plowing can damage buildings, vehicles and other structures, as well as injure animals or people in the plow’s path. Freezing and thawing can cause pot holes, which represent a hazard to vehicles as well as pedestrians.
From dangerous driving conditions to slip and fall accidents, to emerging health and safety issues, winter and its hazards can be devastating to businesses and their employees. Offering advice and solutions on to the business owner is another sign of the true insurance professional.
