The Impact of Slip & Fall Liability on Snow Removal Contractors

Snow Removal Contractors
2020-12-11
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As the winter season is just around the corner or perhaps has already started in some parts, commercial properties must come in prepared for the snow and its impact on their businesses. On the other hand, snow removal contractors must be on high alert, ready to serve those business establishments in need.

However, did you know that these snow removal contractors face some challenges as well? Most insurance companies in Canada are no longer covering them for slip-and-fall accidents due to an increase in lawsuits and the financial impact that comes with it. As a result, some of these contractors have to reconsider their services, which caused a ripple effect on many businesses.

In this article, we'll share with you the need for snow removal contractors and the impact of slip and fall liability on them.

The Need for Snow Removal Contractors for Your Commercial Property

During winter, it's inevitable for the snow to accumulate and cause barriers to many business establishments. For this reason, hiring a snow removal contractor becomes necessary. Below are some notable benefits of a snow removal service:

  • Injury prevention: Hiring this service helps prevent slip-and-fall accidents within your premises. When accidents strike, individuals get injured, which can then lead to lawsuits. At the end of the day, prevention is always better than cure.
  • Customer satisfaction: No matter the season, you must strive to keep your customers satisfied. Unfortunately, snow accumulation can hinder your customers from coming in and out of your commercial property. For this reason, salting and removal services will allow your customers to safely and comfortably get in and out of your business.
  • Time and business profitability: As you don't have all the time in the world, hiring a snow removal service can be your best bet to handle the cleaning tasks. That way, you can focus on running and growing your business instead of attending to the snow hazard risks.
  • Peace of mind: You'll have the utmost peace of mind, knowing that this snow buildup will be taken care of by the experts and that it won't interfere with your business operations.

Slip and Fall Liability for Snow Removal Contractors

Commercial properties heavily rely on snow removal contractors during the icy winter months to perform snow removal, plowing, relocation, and even salting. Unfortunately, snow removal contractors are now subject to a "hold harmless" clause in their insurance policy. This means that this clause won't hold the commercial property liable in case of a slip-and-fall accident. As a result, the full responsibility then goes to the contractors for slips and falls that occurred on the client's property.

Because of this, the slip and fall liability on snow removal contractors has a huge repercussion in the industry. Many service providers are now reconsidering their services by increasing their rates. As a result, many businesses needing snow removal services are impacted, resulting in many closed businesses for the winter months.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know the importance of snow removal contractors during this time of the year and the impact of slip-and-fall liability on contractors and businesses. Ultimately, the snow removal industry, insurance companies, and businesses must come up with a fair solution that will benefit all stakeholders involved so that it’s a win-win situation for all of them!

Are you looking for a reliable commercial snow removal service? We've got you covered! We're a landscaping company in Edmonton specialized in landscape, maintenance, snow removal, and design services for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Get in touch with us today for a free quote!

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