If you own a small business, you know a lot depends on everything going smoothly. From OSHA safety recommendations to emergency preparedness, we have five winter safety tips to help you and your employees get through the frigid winter months.
Winter safety tips for working outside
OSHA does not have certain standards for working in cold weather, but employers are obligated to train and educate their employees to prevent falls and serious injuries in the workplace. Learn more about preparing for and responding to extreme weather here.
Think about your employees and customers
Snow, hail, it’s not easy to navigate in this kind of weather. You should keep an eye on the winter weather forecast and make sure your employees are fully equipped and know which roads to avoid. Also, make sure to shovel the entrances and exits and spread salt on the sidewalk leading to your building. This can help prevent falls and keep the business running smoothly.
Communication is key
If the winter weather forecast predicts a storm, make sure you have a way of communicating with your employees so they know if they should work. You can also use social media to communicate with customers and let them know if you are closed and when you will reopen.
How is your heating system?
It is essential to make sure your system is running efficiently. Have a professional check your system twice a year, once in the summer and again in the winter. If it’s not maintained regularly, you could run into serious problems that could have been avoided.
Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Change batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. This is important if you will be using a generator. Portable generators should never be left indoors as they produce high levels of carbon monoxide and can be harmful to anyone inside the building. You can find more information about smoke and carbon monoxide detectors here.
Seasonal replenishment inventory
Cold weather often means the holidays are just around the corner. If your business has more inventory during this time of year, you might consider including Automatic Seasonal Increase coverage to your Business Owner Policy. This type of coverage automatically increases your policy limit on business personal property by 25%.
