Now we’re in the grips of Winter, it’s imperative to consider how snow and ice can affect your employees and what your role is in protecting them from potential danger. Following these tips should help you.

If your premises are owned by a landlord but the landlord is not present, the responsibility for clearing snow and ice belongs to the occupier of the premises. Staff and visitors must be able to get onto site and into buildings safely, even if it is just a short trip from a car park to the door. In the case of shared areas such as communal car parks, it is up to the multiple occupiers to arrange appropriate action.

If your premises are part of a managed complex where the landlord (or staff working for the landlord) is present, they should take the appropriate action to make the complex safe for everyone on site in Winter conditions.

If your premises are in a public area such as on a high street, your only responsibility would be your immediate entrance – you wouldn’t have to worry about any adjacent public roads or footpaths.

On a construction site or other premises with a yard area, the company working there (usually the Principal Contractor) should manage snow and ice.

Where the responsibility lies with you, you should have a ready supply of grit and distribute it evenly across all areas where people and vehicles will be travelling (landlords should supply the salt for all premises they own). All personnel and visitors should be kept informed of any current risks (recorded) and any action they need to take themselves to stay safe.