6 Winter Business Risks To Watch Out For
We’ve teamed up with Aviva to bring you practical steps to keep your business running safely through winter. No jargon, no red tape, just clear, usable tools for small firms.
Winter Brings More Than Cold Weather
For small businesses, winter can mean:
- Ice, snow and freezing surfaces increasing slip hazards
- Burst pipes and water leaks as temperatures drop
- Storm damage from strong winds and heavy rain
- Heating, electrical and equipment strain
- Vehicle accidents in darker, icier conditions
- Disruption hitting during a crucial trading period
The good news? Most winter losses can be prevented with a few early checks.
👉 Download your free Winter Risk Management Guide packed with checklists and templates you can use today.
What Should You Be Thinking About This Winter?
1. Slips, Trips & Falls in Icy Conditions
Ice, frost and compacted snow make slips the number one winter claim.
“Focus on looking at the slip, trip and fall ‘hotspots’ and what’s causing them. Once you know what the priority areas for improvement are, you can target these areas to minimise future likelihood of injury.”
Clear walkways, grit early, improve lighting and keep wet-floor areas under control. Small steps can prevent injuries and costly claims.
2. Escape of Water & Frozen Pipes
Sub-zero temperatures expose weaknesses in older or uninsulated pipework.
“Winter increases the likelihood of slip incidents due to ice, snow and water ingress. Regular monitoring and prompt treatment of high-risk areas is essential.”
Check your stopcocks, lag exposed pipes, maintain heating in vulnerable areas and consider smart leak detection.
3. Storms, High Winds & Severe Weather
Winter storms are becoming more unpredictable, with gusts causing roof damage, flying debris and business interruption.
“The most hazardous conditions are likely to arise when repeated snow falls, that can take place over several days, do not have sufficient time to melt from roofs that can consequently accumulate and exceed the design capability of the roof”
Secure outdoor areas, trim loose branches, and keep drains clear.
4. Heating & Electrical Safety
Winter puts extra pressure on heating systems, portable heaters and electrical setups.
Poorly maintained equipment can lead to fire hazards or downtime.
Check your boilers, review portable heater use, test alarms and keep plant rooms clutter-free.
5. Winter Driving & Fleet Safety
Darker days,icy roads and reduced visibility increase the risk of collisions.
“Employers are required to assess the ability for safe journeys to be undertaken as well as the need to travel, especially in adverse weather conditions.”
If your team drives for work, refresh briefings, check tyres and lights, and encourage slower speeds and safer distances.
6. Business Continuity
A pipe burst, power cut or roof leak can halt your trading during your busiest period.
Test your winter continuity plan. What happens if your premises become inaccessible? How will you communicate with customers? Do you have backups for power and data?
Inside the Free Guide
Your downloadable guide includes:
- A winter slip, trip and fall checklist
- Frozen pipe and water leak prevention tips
- Storm and severe weather preparation tools
- Heating and electrical safety pointers
- Vehicle and driver winter safety guidance
- A short, practical business continuity template
Final Word
“Winter always brings its challenges, but because you can see them coming, you can stay ahead. A few simple checks now can save you a lot of disruption when the weather turns.”
Ready for a Safer Winter?
Don’t wait for the first freeze, leak or storm to disrupt your plans.
👉 Download your free Winter Risk Management Guide and join hundreds of small firms staying one step ahead.
Need tailored insurance or risk advice? Call us on 020 3883 7976, we’re here to help. You’ve got this, and we’ve got your back.
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