Posted By Dave Stevenson Hi, We had an employee slip on ice, whilst undertaking ice clearing duties on a road area. He alighted from his vehicle and whilst replacing the booms which spray the ice removal solution, he slipped and broke his wrist. He was issued with safety boots. Ice was patchy on the day. The employee is taking a civil action against us. In my opinion, this incident would be difficult to prevent, unless with provided an over strap for his boots, containing small metal spikes. I have found this item recently on the internet. My concern however, is that in the environment we work, we cannot used any metal on shoes which could use a spark. To what exent do you think our libability is and if there anything out there which we could use to prevent slipping. Any suggestions?

Posted By Merv Newman It was a foreseeable accident, you are liable, you will pay. Get someone to make up a strap with aluminium or bronze spikes. It's going to be a lot cheaper than being sued for a SECOND accident.

Posted By Stuart Nagle Hydraulicly operated booms operated from inside the cab of the vehicle rather than manually..... Booms on front as well as rear, anti-slip slip-on over soles for boots.... Pre-ice actioning (as mentioned above) prior to forecast bad weather conditions (can be obtained daily from local County Coucil Highways Agency Office in afternoons (or earlier).... Protected parking bays (frostfree areas) under cover.... salt bins located on paths to/from workplace so can spead salt as walking along path - in front of where walking.... Stuart