Recent storms across the country have reminded us that winter is here, and while all that snow makes for quaint holiday pictures, it also presents many hazards.
Some of the most common winter accidents occur as a result of slipping on ice, snow or water. This can occur in your store or in common areas such as parking lots or walkways. Many business owners believe that common areas are not their concern; however, we are seeing an increase in lease provisions that make the tenant responsible in some way for these areas. Now would be a good time to review your lease to determine if you need to take action to keep the exterior of your facility safe.
Now would be a good time to review your lease to determine if you need to take action to keep the exterior of your facility safe.
Even if the landlord is responsible for maintenance, verify that they have programs in place to keep common areas clear of ice and snow. You want your salon guests to be able to access your business in a safe manner. Once they’ve made it to your door, you want to ensure they don’t slip immediately upon entry. Placing large, slip-resistant mats in the entry and lobby area will reduce risk. It’s also a good idea to implement general housekeeping rules to routinely check for any puddles and, if found, to immediately mop them.
Even when you’ve taken steps to prevent hazards, accidents still occur. If someone falls, your first action should be to determine the type of medical help needed. If necessary, call for assistance. Once the injured party has been taken care of, it is very important to document the conditions of the area at the time of the fall. Take pictures of the scene, note the type of shoes the injured person was wearing and get statements from witnesses and/or staff.
Snow and ice can also be a hazard to your property. Protecting against frozen pipes will reduce the chance of them bursting. You should verify with your landlord that they have procedures in place to protect the main lines into the building and fire protection (sprinkler) systems.
Snow accumulation on the roof can cause leaks or collapse. The damage to the interior of your salon from such occurrences can be devastating. Again, the roof is not usually a tenant’s responsibility; however, you should make sure the landlord has procedures in place to monitor and deal with these situations. Prevention is much better than waiting until something happens. If you notice a leak, report it immediately. Take action to secure the area around the leak and protect your electrical equipment.
The bane of a salon owner’s existence is loss of power. Unfortunately, winter storms cause many power outages. And when the power is restored, surges can damage tanning equipment – especially older models. If your salon loses power, you may want to switch the breakers to the “off” position until power is restored and the level is normal.
Now that you are ready for all the damage winter weather can cause, we hope you sit back and enjoy the beauty of it. ■
