Winter is right around the corner, and with it comes freezingrain, snow and icy conditions, and at Zurich, we're constantlycommunicating to agents and brokers the importance of preparingcustomers for the season's weather-related risks. These conditionspresent businesses with increased exposure from slip, trip and fallaccidents for employees as well as third parties. Slip, trip andfall accidents are one of the leading causes for missed workdaysand workers' compensation cases, according to research from theU.S. Dept. of Labor Statistics. To minimize slip, trip and falls insnow and icy conditions, businesses should have procedures forproper removal in place. Additionally, having anti-slip materials(such as mats, anti-slip surfaces, etc.) near entranceways can helpminimize water build-up on floors.

Winter weather also contributes to an increase in vehicleaccidents. Driving slowly and more carefully can minimize somerisks while driving on slippery roads. Plan to drive on main roadsas opposed to back roads and side streets, since most cities andtowns clear, salt, and maintain main roads better and morefrequently.

Another winter hazard that can cause property damage and evenbusiness interruption would be roof collapses from snow loads. Ifsnow builds up on a roof and a rainstorm follows, this can causesaturation of the snow and a weight increased on the roof. Asagging roof is one warning sign of a potential roof collapse. Toprevent roof collapse, businesses should have an inspection of theroof after heavy snowstorms. Zurich recommends reaching out to roofcontractors before, not after, the season's first snow fall; theriskiest roof season is also the busiest for contractors.