TOKIO MARINE AMERICA LOSS CONTROL

Keeping Employees Safe and Preventing Slips and Falls

Winter weather hazards can increase the potential for injuries and liability claims. The following are some examples of those hazards and suggestions to help keep your employees, visitors, and others safe.

• Implement a slip, trip, and fall (STF) prevention program. STFs are the most common injury resulting from ice and snow accumulation on walkways. A strong STF prevention program that includes salting or using an ice melt product on walkways, clearing snow from high- traffic areas, and continuously monitoring these areas can help prevent these types of accidents.
• Ensure good building and grounds upkeep and maintenance. This not only protects the building but can also protect people. Removing snow and ice from roofs can prevent injuries from heavy snow or ice falling on pedestrians. In addition, keeping gutters, downspouts, and hand railings in good condition and properly maintained can help prevent STFs.
• Hire reputable contractors. If using contractors to help with snow and ice removal or any other service, it's important to be sure they're reputable. They should be able to provide good references and have adequate insurance in place. You should request Certificates of Insurance and ask for your organization to be listed on their policy as an Additional Insured.

Preparing Your Fleet

According to the Federal Highway Administration, more than 150,000 auto crashes occur annually due to icy roads in the United States. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that about 17% of all vehicle crashes occur in snowy conditions.

In addition, the American Automobile Association reports that there are more than 2,000 winter road deaths per year in the United States due to driving in snowy and icy conditions.

The most effective approach to mitigating these types of fleet accidents during harsh winter weather conditions is to avoid driving. If vehicles must be used during these conditions, the following steps can help to protect your drivers and fleet operations:

• Slow down during harsh road conditions. Black ice is clear and hard to see on the roadway, blinding snow can occur at a moment’s notice, and snow can accumulate on roadways quickly. Adjusting your speed accordingly can help reduce the potential of losing control of your vehicle or having to react quickly when vehicles in front of you suddenly stop.
• Stay informed of weather conditions. Always stay informed, especially if the forecast calls for any inclement weather. While weather forecasts can be inaccurate, plan for the worst to ensure your operations are ready.
• Keep driver training up to date. All drivers should be up to date with their regular defensive driver training, including training specific to operating a vehicle in wintry conditions, from maneuvers when hitting patches of ice to knowing what to do if the vehicle gets stuck on the road. Tokio Marine America has resources available to assist with this training.
• Keep emergency preparedness kits up to date. Be sure each vehicle's emergency preparedness kit is up to date and includes items for cold weather such as a snow brush, shovel, windshield washer fluid, warm clothing, cat litter for traction, and blankets.
• Prioritize vehicle maintenance. Vehicle maintenance is always important, especially in cold weather. Ensure that your vehicle’s windshield wipers, lights, and tires are in good condition. Changing vehicle wipers and rotating vehicle tires every six months, at the very least, is a good safety practice.
• Consider implementing vehicle telematics. Vehicle telematics can help add another level of protection, from locating vehicles that are stranded in the snow through GPS technology to getting vehicle health alerts. Contact Tokio Marine America Loss Control for more information on telematics.