Typically, severe Artic weather attacks the Northeast and Midwest. This week, though, the first batch of Artic air has arrived and is gripping not only the Midwest but also most of the East Coast. According to forecasts, this will be followed by another reinforcing shot of excessively cold air towards the end of the week ahead. I thought it would be helpful to provide some important reminders.
Pipe bursts
Our research indicates frozen pipes cause some of the most common and costliest cold weather claims (>$18K, on average). However, we've learned that the risk of pipe bursts can increase around the holidays. Whether a school whose students leave for the break (and leave windows open) or a business that slows down for a couple days around the holidays, we've seen some very disruptive losses when pipes freeze and water flows – sometimes for days before being noticed.
As you might guess, ensuring adequate heat and monitoring facilities are important steps.
Slip and falls
Slip and fall accidents can be very costly for any business, whether they involve your employees or someone else legally on your premises. Each year these accidents result in thousands of workers' compensation or third party liability claims. In fact, in 2016, slip and falls accounted for 32% of our workers' compensation and 35% of our general liability claims.
This risk can increase substantially with winter weather. What can you do to prevent these expensive claims? We've got a checklis:
Pipe bursts
Our research indicates frozen pipes cause some of the most common and costliest cold weather claims (>$18K, on average). However, we've learned that the risk of pipe bursts can increase around the holidays. Whether a school whose students leave for the break (and leave windows open) or a business that slows down for a couple days around the holidays, we've seen some very disruptive losses when pipes freeze and water flows – sometimes for days before being noticed.
As you might guess, ensuring adequate heat and monitoring facilities are important steps.
Slip and falls
Slip and fall accidents can be very costly for any business, whether they involve your employees or someone else legally on your premises. Each year these accidents result in thousands of workers' compensation or third party liability claims. In fact, in 2016, slip and falls accounted for 32% of our workers' compensation and 35% of our general liability claims.
This risk can increase substantially with winter weather. What can you do to prevent these expensive claims? We've got a checklis:
- Treat all exterior areas where you expect to have pedestrian and/or vehicle traffic. Once and done is not sufficient — inspect and treat areas of potential hazard frequently.
- Make certain the property has ample lighting during the shorter daylight hours of winter.
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