Zurich Offers Information to Business Owners about Reducing the Number of Slips, Trips and Falls Accidents During Winter Weather Months

2010 JAN 8 - (NewsRx.com) -- Zurich, a leading property and casualty insurance provider globally and in North America, is providing information to business owners and managers on the steps they can take to help reduce conditions that contribute to customer and employee slips, trips and falls (STF). According to data from Zurich's Claims unit, STF increase substantially during the winter months of December, January, February and March (see also Zurich).

"Given the current economic climate, cost is, understandably, a primary concern when planning a winter safety program," said Helene Browning, director of general liability line of business at Zurich Services Corp. in Schaumburg, Ill. "It's critical to prioritize what needs to be done and what actions you need to take to maximize your resources. Businesses must evaluate winter planning from a 360-degree approach: the building aspect, the people aspect and the driving aspect."

Zurich Risk Engineers specialize in providing cutting-edge risk management strategies and solutions to their customers that can help them better protect their business.

In addition to making a "Winter Hazards Control Program" webcast (viewable at https://www.brainshark.com/zurich/winter_hazards?dm=11) and PDF (viewable at http://www.zurichvlr.com/documents/pdf/09-3643.pdf) available for the general public to view, Zurich offers the following information in four categories, which can help business owners reduce winter weather STF: Snow and ice clean up and control Stock up early on salt, sand or ice melt.

Purchase entry walk-off mats that are not so thick as to block the swing of entry doors.

Extend mats 8 to 12 feet into the entrance to allow for the removal of moisture from shoes. A rule of the thumb is to have the mat long enough so that each foot steps on the mat three times.

Institute frequent floor surface monitoring by designated staff throughout a weather event.

Have dry mops and wet floor signs readily available.

Consider closing side entrances if you lack the resources for frequent inspection and maintenance.

Post an employee at entrances during peak hours to encourage wiping feet on mats. You can also post a sign to get attention.

Inspect handrails to ensure they meet minimum strength and positioning requirements. Consider installing more handrails to aid in winter safety.

Inspect awnings, gutters, roofs and downspouts for repair or replacement. A dripping gutter over an entryway can lead to ice buildup.

Be sure walkways are clear before releasing staff early from work during storms.

Use calcium chloride instead of rock salt. It works better at low temperatures and is less damaging to concrete and landscaping. Review / implement snow removal contracts / system Ensure duties are clearly defined for your staff and for any snow removal contractors you use.

Ensure your contract specifies how often salting / snow removal is to be preformed. Designate an inclement weather team Encourage members to monitor weather reports to help prepare the workplace.

Increase awareness by posting daily weather briefings.

Distribute sand, salt or ice melt before employees are scheduled to arrive.

"Business owners should also consider who walks onto their property," said Regina McMichael, head of customer education and engagement for Zurich Services Corporation's Risk Engineering unit. "They should implement additional slips, trips and falls reduction techniques if their business caters to children, the elderly or patrons wearing dress shoes. Zurich works with its customers to identify risks specific to their business and will help them develop a plan specialized to their business needs."

For more information about STF accident reduction for businesses in the global corporate, large corporate, middle market, specialties and programs sectors visit http://www.risk-engineering.com.

The information in this publication was compiled from sources believed to be reliable for informational purposes only. All sample procedures herein should serve as a guideline, which you can use to create your own procedures. We trust that you will customize these samples to reflect your own operations and believe that these samples may serve as a helpful platform for this endeavor. We do not guarantee the accuracy of this information or any results and further assume no liability in connection with this publication and sample procedures, including any information, methods or safety suggestions contained herein. Moreover, Zurich reminds you that this cannot be assumed to contain every acceptable safety procedure or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances The subject matter of this publication is not tied to any specific insurance product nor will adopting these procedures ensure coverage under any insurance policy. Risk engineering services are provided by Zurich Services Corporation. About Zurich Zurich's North America Commercial and Global Corporate in North America business divisions are part of Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich), an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Founded in 1872, the Group is headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It employs approximately 60,000 people serving customers in more than 170 countries. In North America, Zurich (www.zurichna.com) is a leading commercial property-casualty insurance provider serving the global corporate, large corporate, middle market, specialties and programs sectors. Zurich's risk engineering services in North America are provided by Zurich Services Corporation.