Winter Risk Mitigation for Property Owners and All Premises-Based Clients

When winter risks of snow or ice hits, it’s more than just a seasonal nuisance — it’s a real risk for any client who operates from a physical premises — whether that’s a shop, office, warehouse, workshop or commercial unit — winter weather brings real safety risks. 

Slips, trips and falls remain one of the most common winter claims, and many can be avoided with the right steps in place.

Here’s a clear guide to the legal responsibilities, risks, and the practical actions your clients can take to help protect people and keep businesses moving.

Your Legal Responsibilities

Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 & 1984

Whether the premises are owned or occupied, there’s a duty of care to keep lawful visitors reasonably safe.

The duty includes managing snow and ice on:

• Access routes

• Entrances

• Car parks

• Loading bays

• External steps and ramps

The same obligation applies, to a limited degree, to trespassers too.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

For any employer, responsibilities extend to employees and contractors. Businesses must ensure safe working conditions — including clearing or treating snow and ice where staff need to move around.

Ignoring these obligations can lead to enforcement action, fines and reputational harm.

What Happens If You Don’t Act?

Civil Liability

If someone slips on untreated snow or ice, they may make a personal injury claim. Courts frequently rule against occupiers or property owners who cannot demonstrate “reasonable care.”

Criminal Liability

Serious lapses in health and safety can trigger regulatory action or prosecution.

Insurance Impact

Slips and falls can result in claims that increase premiums or prompt tougher underwriting decisions — especially if basic maintenance and risk-management duties weren’t followed.

What Counts as ‘Reasonable Care’?

These winter-specific steps should sit alongside your client’s usual management and maintenance of the premises, including keeping car parks well lit, repairing potholes, managing uneven surfaces, maintaining handrails and ensuring walkways remain in good condition.

1. Proactive Winter Planning

A simple, consistent plan can significantly reduce risk.

Encourage clients to:

• Carry out winter risk assessments

• Monitor weather alerts

• Grit key areas before frost forms

• Establish clear pedestrian routes in car parks and around buildings

A simple, consistent plan can significantly reduce risk.

2. Keep Clear Records

Documentation matters. It provides the evidence needed if a claim arises.

Clients should record:

• Gritting schedules

• Site inspections

• Staff responsibilities

• Any corrective actions taken

• Signage or temporary controls

  
  

3. Safe Snow and Ice Management

The common myth that clearing snow creates liability is incorrect — doing nothing is the bigger risk.

Good practice includes:

• Clearing snow rather than compacting it

• Gritting before and after freezing conditions

• Regularly checking high-traffic areas throughout the day

• Avoiding creating slip hazards by moving snow onto public roads (which is illegal)

  
  

4. Protecting Staff

If staff are involved in snow clearing, clients must provide:

• Proper PPE

• Safe equipment

• Appropriate training

What Clients Should Avoid

• Moving snow onto public highways

• Ignoring icy conditions on private land

• Expecting staff to clear snow without support, equipment or training

Supporting Your Clients This Winter

Snow and ice don’t have to disrupt business or create unnecessary risk. With straightforward maintenance, consistent documentation and a clear winter plan, all premises-based clients can meet their legal duties and protect people.

At Covéa Insurance, we’re committed to supporting brokers with clear, confident advice that helps clients prevent avoidable claims and continue operating safely through the winter

If you’d like tailored guidance, checklists or winter risk-prevention materials for your Commercial Lines clients, we’re here to help - just reach out to us by emailing marketinganddesign@coveainsurance.co.uk and we will be in touch to discuss how we can help.