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Ice covering my workplace's yard
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MickyFearon  
#1 Posted : 01 December 2010 16:09:26(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
MickyFearon
With the current icy spell the yard, which is used by public and ourselves has a layer of ice. The yard is quite large and it would take an eternity to clear. My question is, should we clear a portion of the yard for pedestrians to walk safely up and place signs instructing them to walk on the cleared area or should we leave the yard as is? If someone was to fall would 'an act of God' be a defence?
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Brittain32519  
#2 Posted : 01 December 2010 16:16:46(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
Brittain32519
Hi Micky, I was just looking myself online and if you go on the HSE website and type in the search slipping on snow and Ice there are some guidlelines to follow
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SW  
#3 Posted : 01 December 2010 16:48:21(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SW
The HSE has guidance on this and also You Gov give information (Perhaps more directed at members of the public though from memory)
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Kate  
#4 Posted : 02 December 2010 08:32:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Kate
Your responsibility is to provide safe access as far as you reasonably can and your suggestion of clearing a path sounds sensible, while leaving it as and still allowing people to use it it sounds like a dereliction of responsibility. The advice for the public is here: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868 and workplace advice is here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/faq.htm
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Seamusosullivan  
#5 Posted : 02 December 2010 09:54:58(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Seamusosullivan
MickyFearon wrote:
If someone was to fall would 'an act of God' be a defence?
It would not be a good defence.
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Fletcher  
#6 Posted : 02 December 2010 16:51:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Fletcher
Afternoon, Last winter a HGV driver who visited our site regularly slipped on ice in an area adjacent to a cleared pathway. He started a claim against the company and it is going through the insurance process at the moment. The end result will probably be a pay out as the cheapest option. So I would agree with your option of clear a pathway, grit it and post signs but it will not cover you from a claim if an accident does occur. Take Care
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RayRapp  
#7 Posted : 02 December 2010 16:58:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp
There is no guarantee that clearing ice and snow will not result in a claim, however, there is less chance of a claim and it can be used in mitigation in the event of a claim.
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firesafety101  
#8 Posted : 02 December 2010 17:26:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
firesafety101
If you do decvide to clear a path and put up some signage take some photos in case of a claim. If there is an accident take more photos of the area involved.
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