Cold weather plans vital
Shropshire businesses must protect their staff and customers during the current icy blast.
That's the warning from Tony Conlon, from Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury, who said it was vital that companies did everything they could to reduce the impact of the freezing weather on their business.
"Make sure priority areas around your business premises are salted and gritted, and that access routes are inspected regularly.
"If necessary, arrange for temporary signs to be put up to show staff and customers which is the safest route, and warn anyone who may need to visit in advance that they'll need to take care."
Tony said employers should also encourage staff to plan alternative routes to work in case their usual route was disrupted, and investigate ways to help more staff work from home if possible.
"If the worst does happen, and one of your staff is involved in a road traffic accident, it's also important that they know what action to take, whether they're in a company vehicle or their own car.
"If the accident involves another motorist, staff should just get their name, registration number and a contact telephone number, then report the claim as soon as possible, and leave the insurance companies to sort everything else out.
"Keep details of your company's insurance policies close at hand so if you do need to contact them, the process is as smooth as possible. But be prepared to be patient, as at this time of year, the number of accidents inevitably increases particularly in weather like this, and your insurers may well be extremely busy."
Tony said protecting your business premises was also essential during such demanding weather.
"If you have to close your workplace for any period of time, think carefully about how your property may be affected if it's left unattended. Keep your heating system on low, but turn the main stopcock off, as this will prevent any water trapped in the system from freezing and bursting the pipes when temperatures rise. Make sure pipes are insulated, and that your security team monitors the premises.
"Such extreme weather can be a difficult test and companies need to ensure they take all the precautions they can to safeguard their business."
