Preparing Your Business for Winter
Winter can be a risk to the continuity of business operations. Small business owners should ensure that their assets and operations are protected against the elements of the season. A strong handle on effective winter risk management can help to maintain stability during this season.
Below, we’ve highlighted a few winter challenges for small businesses, in addition to the actions you can take to overcome them:
Below, we’ve highlighted a few winter challenges for small businesses, in addition to the actions you can take to overcome them:
Deter Threats to the Physical Workspace
As business owner, one of the biggest risk you face in the winter months is property damage resulting from frozen pipes. In fact, Cost Helper, a website that aggregates statistics related to repairs and maintenance, states that a burst pipe can cost in excess of $3,800 if it is located in a wall or the building's foundation, while subsequent water damage can run up to $70,000.
As business owner, one of the biggest risk you face in the winter months is property damage resulting from frozen pipes. In fact, Cost Helper, a website that aggregates statistics related to repairs and maintenance, states that a burst pipe can cost in excess of $3,800 if it is located in a wall or the building's foundation, while subsequent water damage can run up to $70,000.
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With that being said, it’s imperative that you thaw the pipes as soon as possible to avoid any serious property damage occurs.
Consider installing remote temperature monitoring equipment that provides notifications of potential freeze conditions for buildings with infrequent occupancy or in areas where previous freeze claims have occurred. For even great protection against flooding this winter, consider getting an essential National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance policy through Selective. |
Mind the Building's Exterior
Another major risk you may face as a business property owner is the prospect of icy sidewalks and parking lots that can cause slips and injuries to your employees or customers.
Be sure to periodically remove snow, ice, and slush from any walkways or parking lots. You may want to consider implementing a snow removal log that indicates who is responsible for snow removal, and at what time(s). This can help you more effectively manage the process and allocate responsibility.
During the removal process, be extra vigilant about providing proper access to fire hydrants, street drains, and propane tanks.
Have a Contingency Plan for Operations
You already may already have a telecommuting policy in place to best serve the demands of the modern workforce, but winter should be a point of focus for this policy.
It’s important to have a plan in place in the event of a major winter storm which could make travel to and from the physical workplace unsafe for your employees. If you do not have a remote work or telecommuting policy in place and reside in one of the nation's northern regions, your company could miss several days of worker productivity.
Additionally, have a reliable method to communicate with all staff members when a storm forecast. Allowing workers to work from home can allow operations to continue, regardless of weather conditions.
Selective’s Safety Management team paired with SafetyNow – a complimentary workplace safety resource – can offer you additional resources and recommendations on improving your business continuity plan, and much more.
You already may already have a telecommuting policy in place to best serve the demands of the modern workforce, but winter should be a point of focus for this policy.
It’s important to have a plan in place in the event of a major winter storm which could make travel to and from the physical workplace unsafe for your employees. If you do not have a remote work or telecommuting policy in place and reside in one of the nation's northern regions, your company could miss several days of worker productivity.
Additionally, have a reliable method to communicate with all staff members when a storm forecast. Allowing workers to work from home can allow operations to continue, regardless of weather conditions.
Selective’s Safety Management team paired with SafetyNow – a complimentary workplace safety resource – can offer you additional resources and recommendations on improving your business continuity plan, and much more.
Winter Safety ARTICLES
Discover more about preparing your business for winter by checking out an article below.
See mOre Winter Prep Guides
Check out other winter preparedness tips for your vehicle or home.
