Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! (but stay safe...)

According to YouGov, 13% of SMEs were seriously impacted by last winter's severe weather, and 37% experienced weather-related problems, so it's worth preparing now for the possibility of another hard winter.

Ensure you comply with your Health and Safety obligations:

• Clear and grit a pathway to the entrance to your premises, and grit your car park if you have one, to prevent accidents as people enter and leave the building
• Crank up the heating to make sure your workplace temperature is above the statutory minimum temperature of 16 degrees Celsius
• Avoid placing employees under pressure to drive too fast in slippery conditions, or you may face a personal injury claim if they have an accident - be flexible with regards to arrival times in difficult travelling conditions  
• If you employ drivers, make sure they conduct winter checks on tyres, coolant levels etc. to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, and suggest they carry a warm blanket, a shovel, a bottle of water and some non-perishable food in the boot, in case they get stuck in snow

Have good management systems and procedures in place to deal with unusual situations:

• Devise a system for contacting all staff quickly if you have to close the premises - maybe compile a database of mobile numbers so you can send a group text message first thing in the morning
• Put in place a consistent policy for dealing with absences.  If people cannot get to the workplace because of the weather, or transport difficulties, or because the schools are closed and they have to look after their children, determine what notification procedures you require, and whether you will pay them or require them to take annual leave. If the job can be done remotely, allow them to work from home so they can do something useful for you rather than just taking time off.  

Act now, before the severe weather comes: hindsight may be a wonderful thing, but being prepared is much better!

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For help with devising a Severe Weather policy, or any other HR issues, contact Mara Thorne on 01372 700139 or mara@mthorneconsulting.co.uk.