How to Keep Your Business Safe This Winter

As winter approaches, icy surfaces can pose a serious risk to safety and accessibility for your business. For premises that welcome the public, proper winter gritting is essential to maintaining safe grounds and reducing liability.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your site ready for the winter months, along with best practice tips for keeping your property safe throughout winter.

Step 1: Understand Why Gritting Matters

Gritting involves spreading grit or rock salt on surfaces prone to icing, such as pathways, car parks, and entrances, to prevent ice forming or to melt existing ice. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Reduce accidents: Slips, trips, and falls are common during icy weather. Gritting creates traction, reducing the likelihood of accidents.
• Stay legally compliant: Businesses have a duty of care to ensure their premises are safe. Failing to address icy conditions can lead to legal consequences.
• Maintain accessibility: Clear, gritted pathways help everyone, particularly those with mobility difficulties, move safely across your property.

Step 2: Partner with a Professional Grounds Maintenance Company

For an effective gritting programme, consider working with a trusted grounds maintenance provider:

• Experienced staff: Professional teams understand varying winter conditions and know how to apply grit efficiently.
• Right products for the job: Using the correct type of grit ensures safety and prevents damage to property. Professionals have access to high-standard products and know how to use them correctly.
• Tailored plans: A customised gritting plan ensures high-risk areas receive the attention they need.
• Emergency response: Weather can be unpredictable. A professional team can respond to sudden freezes or snow to keep your property safe around the clock.

Step 3: Plan Ahead for Effective Gritting

A successful winter gritting plan starts well before temperatures drop:

• Identify high-risk areas: Entrances, stairs, ramps, car parks, and other ice-prone spots should be assessed, particularly those with heavy foot or vehicle traffic.
• Check your supply: Keep enough rock salt, grit, or eco-friendly alternatives in stock to avoid shortages during peak demand.
• Schedule regular services: Work with a reliable provider to set up a gritting schedule. Services offering 24/7 response and weather monitoring are ideal for unexpected conditions.

Step 4: Monitor Weather Conditions for Timely Gritting

Winter weather can change quickly, so staying ahead is crucial:

• Use reliable forecasts: Keep an eye on local weather updates and consider commercial weather apps to anticipate icy conditions.
• Plan gritting in advance: Gritting is most effective when applied before ice forms. Predictive scheduling can prevent dangerous build-up.
• Adjust for temperature and traffic: Standard rock salt can lose effectiveness in extreme cold. Specialist de-icing products may be necessary.

Step 5: Focus on High-Risk Zones

Certain areas require extra attention during winter:

• Pathways and walkways: High-footfall areas are where slips are most likely. Grit them early in the morning and late in the evening when temperatures are lowest.
• Car parks and entrances: Prevent accidents and ensure safe footing for visitors entering or leaving your property.
• Steps, ramps, and loading areas: Ensure accessibility and safety for everyone, including people using mobility aids.

Step 6: Communicate with Staff and Visitors

Even the best gritting plan only works if everyone on site knows about it:

• Inform staff and visitors: Share your winter gritting plan and advise which areas will be treated regularly. Clear communication sets expectations and helps everyone stay safe.
• Use signage: Place warning signs in high-risk areas to guide people safely across your property and minimise accidents.

Keep Your Property Safe Over Winter

By following a proactive gritting strategy, you’re investing in the safety of your property and everyone who uses it. Gritting reduces risks, demonstrates a commitment to public safety, and helps your premises remain accessible, welcoming, and accident-free throughout the winter months.