Help businesses prepare for winter weather

Much of the country will soon face freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. Winter weather poses significant risks to workers, customers, vehicle fleets and commercial properties, impacting everything from slippery walking surfaces and road conditions to building integrity.

Understanding how to reduce these risks is crucial to support personal safety, fleet operations and commercial property management. Here’s a look at how businesses can confront the challenges of cold weather and reduce weather-related accidents, property damage, and injuries.

Worker safety

Hypothermia and frostbite are chief safety concerns in frigid conditions. Also, walkways and parking lots should be cleared of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls. Timers for lighting should be adjusted to ensure visibility as daylight hours become shorter.

Here are resources from Nationwide Risk Management that can be shared with your clients:

• Recognizing signs of frostbite
• Reducing weather-related slips and falls
• Snow and ice removal programs

Winter fleet preparation

According to the Federal Highway Administration, about 70% of the nation’s roads are in areas that receive snow, and each year there are nearly 900 fatalities and 76,000 injuries resulting from vehicle crashes on snow and ice-covered roads.

Preparing drivers and fleets for wintry weather is important and can involve routine maintenance such as ensuring:

• All-weather tires with proper tread depth are mounted and properly inflated
• Wiper blades effectively clear the windshield
• Heaters and defrosters are in good working order
• Vehicle batteries are holding their charge and working properly

Driver preparation also is a critical component in mitigating risks. Training that focuses on winter driving techniques, such as maintaining safe distances, understanding braking systems like ABS, and recognizing the signs of black ice are crucial. Drivers should also be prepared with emergency kits containing essentials like blankets, flashlights, and food in case of breakdowns.

Please share the following resources with your clients:

• Preparing fleets for winter
• Winter driving infographic

Safeguarding commercial properties

In January 2024, an arctic wave gripped the country and temperatures plunged below freezing – even in southern states. The risk of property damage from these events is high, but taking precautions can help mitigate the threat.

• Proper insulation – Insulation is vital to ensuring that properties can withstand the cold, and helps reduce heating costs.
• Pipe protection – Frozen pipes can lead to bursting, resulting in costly water damage. Pipes should be insulated in unheated areas and a consistent indoor temperature should be maintained. Property owners should also allow faucets to drip during extreme cold to prevent freezing.
• Keep the roof clear – Roof integrity should be inspected and weak spots addressed to prevent collapse under heavy snowfall. Gutters and downspouts should also be inspected for blockages that could lead to ice dams.

Share the following with commercial property owners to help them keep their structures safe:

• Protect your building from winter weather
• Snow and ice on rooftops
• Prepare automatic sprinklers for winter

Helping clients prepare for winter challenges helps reduce claims and strengthens client relationships by demonstrating a commitment to their long-term success. Additional resources can be found on Nationwide’s risk management website to help protect employees, property and vehicle fleets.