Winter weather often causes challenges for businesses, so we have put together ten simple steps to prepare your business for winter. Unfortunately, we cannot change the weather so the risk potential will always exist. It is therefore important you manage the risk and reduce the vulnerability of your business effectively. Being prepared will help reduce the risk of closure, damage to stock and equipment, loss of productivity and harm to people within your workplace. The weather is uncertain, so it is crucial you are prepared in advance.
Ten Simple Steps:
- Implement an emergency weather plan, if you do not already have one. Take the time to analyse the risks extreme weather could cause.
- Clear external walkways and car parks of ice and snow build up. Have salt/grit available to de-ice external areas, making walkways safe.
- Maintain internal walkways with absorbents to reduce the risk of slippery surfaces.
- Use signage and lighting to highlight hazard areas which cannot be improved with other measures.
- Check your external storage facilities. If you use secondary containment outside such as spill pallets or bunding ensure they are protecting your containers in extreme weather. Weatherproof covers are available for spill pallets to prevent water ingress.
- Protect your spill kits from extreme weather with spill kit audit covers.
- Check your drains - regular checks are recommended to ensure debris isn't blocking your drains. Autumn leaves often cause problems at this time of year.
- Building maintenance. Heavy rainfall, snow and extreme changes in temperature can cause structural problems, especially on your roof. As an immediate respponse to roof leaks and to prevent damage to your equipment and stock, as well as slip hazards, leak diverter kits provide a reliable solution. Leak diverter kits can be installed to funnel any leaks safely.
- Remove snow from emergency equipment and signage, keeping it visible and accessible in an emergency.
- Sign up for weather warnings in your area to ensure you are aware of extreme weather forecasts in advance.
Act Now
Our guidance focuses on spill control and liquids on site, so there are other steps which may apply to your industry that will become apparent during your risk assessment.
Being prepared in advance will reduce the impact any severe weather may have on your business. Keeping your employees and customers safe and protecting your business continuity as much as you can.
You may also like our Flood Action Week article for more information on preparing for Floods.
For more information on winter protection products please contact our team.
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