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How gritting helps you avoid slip and fall claims in winter

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Articles > How gritting helps you avoid slip and fall claims in winter

Every year, trips and falls account for 32% of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK.

When icy conditions are involved, that risk increases sharply – making winter gritting not just a safety measure, but a legal and financial necessity for commercial property owners and facilities managers.

slips and fall in winter due to poor commercial gritting

Why winter gritting matters for liability management

UK businesses and landowners are legally obliged under the Occupiers’ Liability Acts of 1957 and 1984 to take reasonable steps to ensure visitors and staff are safe on their premises. In winter, untreated access roads, car parks, and pedestrian routes can quickly become hazards.

The consequences of failing to act can include:

  • Personal injury claims from slips and falls.
  • Regulatory scrutiny under health and safety law.
  • Increased insurance premiums after successful claims.
  • Damage to brand reputation if sites are seen as unsafe or inaccessible.

A robust gritting programme shows that you’re taking winter risks seriously – and provides a defensible position should a claim arise.

How gritting reduces the risk of slip and fall claims

1. Helps prevent ice before it forms

Professional gritting works proactively. Salt lowers the freezing point of water, reducing the chance of ice developing overnight or during cold snaps. This keeps access routes safe when foot and vehicle traffic is at its highest.

2. Creates a clear audit trail

The strength of your defence in a liability claim often comes down to evidence. Modern gritting services provide GPS tracking, time-stamped job sheets, and activation records based on postcode-specific Met Office forecasts. This documentation shows that you took reasonable, timely action to manage the risk.

3. Maintains business continuity

Slips and falls don’t just create legal challenges; they can disrupt daily operations. From blocked loading bays to unsafe staff entrances, untreated ice can stop a site functioning. Gritting ensures your people and vehicles keep moving safely.

4. Demonstrates duty of care to all site users

Whether it’s staff, visitors, contractors, or delivery drivers, every individual on your premises has a right to safe passage. Proactive gritting reflects your commitment to protecting people and maintaining professional standards.

The wider benefits of winter gritting

While avoiding claims is crucial, there are several other advantages to having a structured winter gritting programme:

  • Cost control – planned gritting is far cheaper than emergency callouts or the financial fallout from claims.
  • Accessibility – safer surfaces support inclusivity for those with mobility challenges, ensuring compliance with accessibility requirements.
  • Asset protection – consistent gritting reduces freeze-thaw damage to car parks, pathways, and drainage infrastructure.
  • Peace of mind – forecast-led activation, real-time updates, and 24/7 support take uncertainty out of winter safety planning.
Specialist gritting vs. in-house management

Managing gritting in-house can leave gaps. A professional winter maintenance partner offers:

  • Accurate forecasting – using postcode-specific Met Office data to trigger visits only when required.
  • Proactive overnight service – ensuring sites are safe for the morning.
  • Reactive support – mobilisation during sudden cold snaps or snowfalls.
  • Comprehensive documentation – providing defensible records against liability claims.
  • Nationwide delivery with local expertise – ensuring standards remain consistent across one or many sites.

Protecting People, Property & Reputation

Slip and fall claims are a serious risk for UK businesses each winter. By implementing a professional gritting programme, you not only reduce the likelihood of accidents but also protect your organisation from legal, financial, and reputational damage.

The benefits extend far beyond compliance: safer sites, uninterrupted operations, and reassurance for everyone who uses your premises. With the right winter maintenance partner, winter gritting becomes more than a precaution – it’s a proactive safeguard for your people, property, and reputation.