Winter in New England is beautiful; but for business owners, it also brings serious challenges. Snow, ice, freezing temperatures, and unpredictable storms can create hazardous conditions for employees both indoors and outdoors. For employers, the colder months are a critical time to focus on safety, minimize workplace risks and ensure compliance with OSHA standards. Doing so not only protects your team but also helps control workers’ compensation claims and costs.
Winter Hazards That Put Workers at Risk
From Maine to Connecticut, New England winters are notoriously tough. Businesses face common risks such as:
- Slips, trips, and falls on icy sidewalks, parking lots, and entryways.
- Cold stress injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite for outdoor workers.
- Strains and sprains from shoveling, lifting, or handling snow equipment.
- Vehicle accidents involving company or delivery vehicles in snow and ice.
- Indoor hazards caused by wet floors, poor heating, or blocked emergency exits.
Every one of these hazards has the potential to lead to workers’ compensation claims, lost productivity, and, most importantly, serious harm to your employees.
OSHA provides specific guidelines to help employers reduce winter-related risks. Ensure walkways and parking lots are cleared and salted regularly. Provide employees with slip-resistant footwear if they work outside. Train employees on recognizing cold stress symptoms. Provide warming stations, proper PPE (like insulated gloves and boots), and frequent breaks for outdoor crews.
For businesses with drivers, OSHA recommends winter driving training, vehicle inspections, and equipping vehicles with emergency kits. Keep exits and fire hydrants clear of snow, and update emergency action plans to account for winter storms or power outages.
How Winter Safety Ties into Workers’ Compensation
Every workplace injury has two major consequences: human and financial. A single slip-and-fall claim can lead to medical expenses, lost wages, and higher workers’ compensation premiums. In fact, slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workers’ comp claims in New England during the winter months.
By proactively implementing safety measures now, before the first major snowstorm, you reduce the likelihood of claims, help keep premiums stable, and maintain a safer, more productive work environment. Insurers, including mutual carriers like Arrow Mutual, often reward businesses that demonstrate strong safety records through lower premiums, dividends, or retrospective rating benefits.
Practical Steps for New England Employers This Winter
Before the first major snowstorm, take a walk through your facilities, parking areas, and worksites to identify where hazards are most likely to appear. This helps you set priorities and establish a clear plan for prevention.
Once you know where the risks lie, training becomes essential. Employees should understand how to recognize winter hazards, from icy steps to the early signs of cold stress. Regular safety reminders, staff meetings, posted signage, or quick toolbox talks, keep awareness high and reduce the chance of accidents. When employees see their employer taking proactive measures, they’re more likely to follow safety protocols themselves. This further reduces the chance of injury and workers’ compensation claims.
Protecting Your Business and Your People
Winter will always bring risks, but with preparation and adherence to OSHA guidelines, New England businesses can minimize hazards, protect employees, and reduce workers’ compensation exposure.
At Arrow Mutual, we partner with businesses to align workplace safety with workers’ compensation coverage, ensuring you remain compliant, protected, and proactive, even in the harshest winter conditions.