Winter slip-and-fall incidents are one of the most common liability risks facing businesses in London, Ontario, and the risk is higher than most owners assume until it actually happens on their property.
Ice on walkways, entrances, and parking lots is often invisible until someone steps on it, which is exactly why these claims are so common and often successful against property owners who didn't take reasonable steps to prevent them. Black ice near entrances, in shaded areas, or where meltwater refreezes overnight is a particular hazard for early morning customers and staff.
Businesses face real financial exposure from these claims, including legal costs, potential settlements, and increased insurance premiums after an incident. Beyond the financial side, a customer injury on your property can damage your reputation in a community where word travels fast.
The most effective prevention is a documented, proactive snow and ice removal routine: clearing walkways and entrances before opening hours, applying salt ahead of freezing temperatures, and keeping records of when service was performed.
What Commercial Clients Get From Us
Commercial work is priced per site, and we send that quote within 2 business days after reviewing the property on City of London maps and aerial imagery. Every visit is documented with a timestamped photo, which gives you a record for your files if a slip claim ever comes up. We carry $2,000,000 in liability coverage, are WSIB registered and are members of the London Property Management Association, so property managers can file our certificates without chasing paperwork.
Where Falls Actually Happen
On most commercial sites the risk is concentrated in a handful of places: the first few metres outside each entrance, accessible parking stalls and curb ramps, shaded walkways on the north side of buildings, areas below downspouts where meltwater crosses a path, and the transition from a cleared lot onto an uncleared sidewalk. Walk your site on a freeze-thaw morning and you will see the pattern quickly. Those spots belong at the top of your contractor's site map.
Timing Clearing Around Your Hours
A lot cleared at noon does not help staff who arrive at 7 a.m. Agree on when the site must be open and safe, and make sure the contract reflects that. Churches, clinics and other sites with set opening times need clearing timed to those hours, not just to the end of snowfall. During long storms, return visits keep accumulation from building up on entrances that see steady traffic.
Ice Control Is Its Own Service
Snow clearing and ice control are different jobs. Freezing rain and overnight refreeze can make a site dangerous with no new snow at all. Pre-treating before forecast freezing rain is far more effective than reacting after ice has bonded. Keep in mind that rock salt works poorly below about -10°C, so colder-rated products are needed on deep-freeze days. Make sure your contract says who monitors conditions and when salting is triggered.
Records That Show Due Diligence
If a claim is made, the question is usually what reasonable steps were taken and when. Keep a log of every clearing and salting visit with dates and times, plus notes on weather. We send a timestamped photo after every visit, which builds that record automatically. Ask any contractor for proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage; we carry $2,000,000 in liability coverage and are WSIB registered. This is general information, not legal advice, so talk to your insurer about your specific obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the business or the landlord responsible?
It depends on the lease. Check who is responsible for snow and ice on walkways and entrances, and get it in writing.
How are commercial sites priced?
Each site is priced on its layout and service needs. We provide commercial quotes within 2 business days.
Want a winter plan for your site? Request a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. See commercial snow removal and churches and clinics.
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.
Want it handled for you?
Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
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