How to get your business ready for the winter chill

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

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your site ready for the winter chill, and how to implement it effectively, and the best practices for keeping your property safe throughout the season.

Step 1: Understand why gritting matters for winter safety

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

Slippery surfaces increase the risk of slips, falls, and vehicular accidents. Gritting helps create traction, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

Many businesses and property managers have a legal obligation to ensure that their premises are safe for visitors, tenants, or customers. Failing to address icy conditions can lead to liability issues.

Clear pathways also make it easier for everyone, especially those with mobility challenges, to move safely across the property.

Step 2: Consider partnering with a professional grounds maintenance company

For the most effective gritting program, partner with a trusted grounds maintenance company:

• Experienced staff: Professional maintenance teams are trained to handle varying winter conditions and know how to apply grit for maximum safety and efficiency.
• Professional products: Using the correct type of grit is crucial to ensuring safety and avoiding damage to property. For instance, certain types of grit can damage carpets as people enter your premises from gritted areas. Professional companies have access to high standard products and can apply these correctly.
• Customised plans: A professional service can develop a gritting plan tailored to your property’s specific needs, ensuring that high-risk areas receive the attention they need.
• Emergency response: Weather is unpredictable, and emergencies happen. Working with a team that can respond to sudden temperature drops or snow events keeps your property safe around the clock.

Step 3: Plan ahead for effective gritting

A successful winter gritting plan starts well before the temperatures drop. Here’s how to prepare:

• Assess high-risk areas: Identify areas most prone to ice buildup, such as entrances, stairs, ramps, and car parks. Pay special attention to areas that receive heavy foot or vehicle traffic.
• Check your supply of gritting materials: Keep adequate supplies of rock salt, grit, or eco-friendly alternatives on hand. Stock up before winter hits to avoid shortages during high demand.
• Schedule regular gritting services: Work with a reliable grounds maintenance provider to establish a gritting schedule. A service that offers 24/7 response and weather monitoring can ensure that your property stays safe even in unexpected weather.

Step 4: Monitor weather conditions for timely gritting

Weather changes quickly in winter, making it crucial to stay aware of upcoming conditions:

• Use reliable forecasts: Monitoring local forecasts and using weather apps designed for commercial properties can help you anticipate icy conditions.
• Plan for gritting in advance: Gritting is most effective when applied before ice forms. Many grounds maintenance providers use predictive scheduling, applying grit just before predicted freezes to prevent dangerous ice buildup.
• Adjust for temperature and traffic: In extremely cold temperatures, standard rock salt may lose its effectiveness. Some conditions may call for specialized de-icing products to ensure full safety.

Step 5: Grit proactively in high-risk zones

Certain areas require special attention during winter:

• Pathways and walkways: These are high-footfall areas where slips are most likely. Ensure that pathways are well-gritted, especially during early mornings and evenings when temperatures are lowest.
• Car parks and entrances: Car parks and building entrances should be treated to prevent vehicular accidents and ensure that people entering and leaving have safe footing.
• Steps, ramps, and loading docks: High-risk areas like stairs and ramps need extra gritting to ensure accessibility and safety for all, including those with mobility aids.

Step 6: Communicate with staff and tenants about winter safety

A winter safety plan is only effective if everyone on the property knows about it:

• Notify staff and tenants: Inform people about your winter gritting plan and which areas will be gritted regularly. Communication helps to set expectations and ensures that everyone knows where to walk or park safely.
• Place signage in key areas: Use signs to alert people to high-risk zones and encourage them to use the gritted paths. This can help to minimize accidents and guide people safely through your property.

By following a proactive gritting strategy, you’re investing in the safety of your property and those who use it. Gritting not only reduces risks but also shows a commitment to public safety, accessibility, and proper maintenance. Winter conditions are challenging, but with a well-planned gritting approach, you can keep your grounds safe, welcoming, and accident-free all season long.