Corporate responsibilities with regards to snowy parking lots are basically the same as in other access areas to the workplace. The employer has the obligation to ensure that the premises are safe, and that includes stairs, walkways and land that is owned or leased by the company or organization.
Employers must do their part
Snow and ice are obvious sources of possible falls and injury. The company will be liable if it fails to carry out any maintenance that is deemed reasonable. If the employer occupies a unit in co-ownership or with several co-tenants, responsibilities then become common. If the company leases space in a commercial building, it is important to ensure that the responsibilities of each party — tenant and owner — are clearly indicated on the lease.
Patience all around
Of course, employees should be reasonable in their demands, especially during a snowstorm. In this situation, despite the best intentions of everyone, it cannot be expected that all entryways and the entire parking lot will be cleared of snow before the end of the snowfall.
However, during the day, the company should see to it that the entrance and exit pathways are cleared of snow. The snow removal of the parking lot is generally done at night, after it has been cleared of vehicles.
Check with the municipality
In most cases, municipalities regulate corporate responsibilities in snowy parking lots. So, the first thing to do is check with the municipality to learn about the main obligations of companies in terms of snow removal, in addition to maintenance deadlines.
Advice for business leaders
- If you’re managing a company or organization, it's a good idea to devise a regular seasonal inspection in order to counter dangers caused by ice and snow. Make sure that salt or sand is spread on icy surfaces and that entryways are cleared of snow every morning before the employees arrive.
- In early winter, negotiate a contract with a snow removal company to clear all outdoor walkways and parking lots. Make sure the company you hire has commercial insurance coverage for civil liability. You must also ensure that their working methods are safe so that there are no risks involved for your employees during snow removal.
Choosing a contractor for snow removal
The best thing you can do when choosing a snow removal service is check with competing contractors. Ask a few questions to make sure you have good service. Does the offer cover all snowfalls, from first to last, no matter the time of year? What kind of schedule will they follow on snowy days and nights?
It is also advisable to do business with a company that has a storefront and that accepts instalment payments, without requiring a down payment. Make sure that the terms are clearly listed before you sign a contract.
