Pub. 2 2020 Issue 6

WinterWeather Preparedness Guide PAT AUSTIN LOSS PREVENTION REPRESENTATIVE Is your business prepared for the winter? The winter may conjure up comfort with imagery of falling snow, sitting by a fire, hitting the slopes, and the holidays, but the cold hard truth is that the business impact of winter weather is anything but idyllic. The economic impact of a simple snowstorm can cost your business. In this article, we will explore how winter weather impacts business, what businesses can do to effectively prepare for and react to inclement weather, and employee communication best practices for ensuring safety, produc- tivity, and business continuity all winter long. How winter threatens your business Winter weather is a great threat to employee safety. The danger begins on their way to work. In fact, each year, nearly 1,300 people are killed in vehicle crashes due to winter weather conditions. The risks presented by winter weather extend beyond driving. ‘On-ice slip and fall’ injuries and seasonal ill- nesses affect nearly all businesses. These threats can reduce productivity, lower staff morale, and disrupt busi- ness workflows. A dive into the data from our own Workers’ Compen- sation Trust from 2015 to present exhibits exactly how much of a threat and how costly slip and falls on ice are to NHADA membership. Slip and falls on ice account for 23% of all dollars spent in that five year period, but only 12% of the total num- ber of claims. Slip and falls on ice are more serious and more expensive on average than any other type of injury that occurs. D R I V E 12