29 Dec 2020With the festive period underway businesses are advised to be prepared for adverse weather conditions during the winter months. Winter maintenance work on your business's heating system should be carried out as early as possible, and if the property is left vacant over the holiday period, ensure the heating is left on low to avoid burst water pipes. Road accidents almost double during bad weather, so try and leave extra time for journeys. In order to avoid public liability claims, businesses are advised to keep their driveways, car parks and walkways clear. In addition, firms should mop and dry their floors if water or slush is brought indoors from outside. Businesses are also advised to ensure that guttering is cleared of leaves and debris; make sure they have an adequate supply of grit and a shovel and brushes ready; and stay up to date with the weather forecast. Finally, to help combat the coronavirus (COVID-19), businesses should utilise hand sanitiser stations, clean handles and rails frequently and make use of social distancing measures. This may help to reduce the spread of illnesses amongst employees.