How to Reduce Slip-and-Fall Liability at Your Business

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Slip-and-fall claims are one of the most common liability issues businesses face during winter, and they're also one of the most preventable with the right snow removal and documentation practices in place.

Consistent, scheduled clearing is the foundation. Sporadic or reactive snow removal, where a lot only gets cleared after someone complains, leaves long windows of exposure. A regular schedule tied to actual snowfall, not a fixed once-a-day visit regardless of conditions, closes most of that gap.

Documentation matters as much as the physical clearing itself. Photos and timestamps of completed service, along with records of when trigger depths were reached and when crews responded, give you evidence that reasonable care was taken if a claim is ever filed. Without this, it becomes your word against the claimant's.

Entrance areas and walkways deserve extra attention beyond the general lot, since that's where foot traffic concentrates and where people are least expecting a slippery patch. A parking lot that's mostly clear but has one icy patch by the front door is often where claims actually happen.

Why Documentation Protects You

If someone is injured on your property, one of the first questions will be what you did to keep it safe. A timestamped photo after every visit gives you a clear record of when your lot and walkways were cleared. With Thames Valley Snow, every visit includes a timestamped photo, so you are not relying on memory months later.

Keep your own simple log as well. Note when staff spread extra salt, when the door mats were changed, and when anyone reported a slippery spot. Together, these records show a pattern of reasonable care.

Focus on the High-Risk Zones

Not every square metre of a property carries the same risk. Focus first on the places where people actually walk:

• Main entrances and the first few metres inside the door
• Accessible parking spaces and the path to the entrance
• Steps, ramps and curb cuts
• Areas under roof edges where meltwater drips and refreezes
• Shaded corners that stay icy long after the sun has melted the rest

Salt and Ice Control Matter as Much as Plowing

A plowed lot can still be dangerous. Thin layers of ice from freezing rain or overnight refreezing are often harder to see than fresh snow. Salting and ice control are what turn a cleared lot into a safe one. Keep in mind that ordinary rock salt works poorly in very cold temperatures, below about -10°C, so extreme cold may call for extra attention and sand for traction.

Choose a Contractor You Can Verify

Ask any snow contractor for proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage. Thames Valley Snow carries $2,000,000 in liability insurance, is WSIB registered and is a member of the London Property Management Association (LPMA). Commercial sites are priced individually, with a quote within two business days.

Train Staff for Storm Days

Your team is often the first to notice a problem. Show staff where the salt and shovels are kept, ask them to check the entrance when they arrive, and make it easy to report a slippery spot right away. A quick fix by the door at 8 a.m. can prevent a fall at 9 a.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does snow removal eliminate my liability?

No service can remove all risk, but consistent clearing, salting and good records greatly reduce it. For legal questions about a specific claim, speak with a lawyer or your insurer.

What trigger depth should my business use?

Our automatic service starts at 5 cm of snowfall. Busy entrances may also need salt between visits to handle thin ice and refreezing.

Ready to stop worrying about the next storm? Get a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about commercial snow removal and service for property managers.

What's included… and what's extra

Commercial snow service is priced per site from paved area, walkway length and opening time. A typical contract includes plowing at the agreed trigger depth, clearing before opening, hand-cleared entrances, sidewalks and ramps, and a timestamped photo log of every visit.

Common extras are quoted separately so you only pay for what the site needs: salting and de-icing per event, extra sidewalk or ramp coverage, after-hours or priority service, and snow relocation when piles run out of room. See commercial snow removal or request a site quote by calling or texting (548) 888-8702.