Slippy path to being sued…

legal updates

Limit the risk of slipping for employees or visitors to your site.

Read our disclaimer keyboard_arrow_down

This website content is intended as a general guide to law as it applies to the motor trade. Lawgistics has taken every effort to ensure that the contents are as accurate and up to date as at the date of first publication.

The laws and opinions expressed within this website may be varied as the law develops. As such we cannot accept liability for or the consequence of, any change of law, or official guidelines since publication or any misuse of the information provided.

The opinions in this website are based upon the experience of the authors and it must be recognised that only the courts and recognised tribunals can interpret the law with authority.

Examples given within the website are based on the experience of the authors and centre upon issues that commonly give rise to disputes. Each situation in practice will be different and may comprise several points commented upon.

If you have any doubt about the correct legal position you should seek further legal advice from Lawgistics or a suitably qualified solicitor. We cannot accept liability for your failure to take professional advice where it should reasonably be sought by a prudent person.

All characters are fictitious and should not be taken as referring to any person living or dead.

Use of this website shall be considered acceptance of the terms of the disclaimer presented above.

Its winter and we are all feeling the cold. During such cold weather, when there is a risk of icy conditions remember to try and limit the risk of slipping for employees or visitors to your site.

October 2014, we saw the most significant case regarding this. A home care worker slipped on a path whilst visiting an elderly lady’s home. The employee was wearing flat shows with some ridging on the soles but she still fell on the iced footpath and fractured her wrist. Initially the Court found in her favour and against the employer. However the employer filed for an appeal and the case went to the Supreme Court and the same conclusion was met again.

The Court did review the company’s approach to risk assessment. Years prior to the accident, the company had identified the potential for slipping on icy surfaces. Whilst the hazard was naturally occurring this did not absolve the employer from taking action – equally the same as employers are responsible for protecting employees from extremely hot or wet weather whilst at work.

The Court also found the employer has breached the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 as they had not provided specific details relating to the appropriate footwear further the Court deemed the company could have provided non slip overshoes.  

So the point from this to take onboard –

If your staff travel during winter then it may be worth investing in non slip overshoes which are less than £20.00 and have been shown to be effective with reducing the risk of slipping. If doing so, you can request the employee to sign a document which states they have been informed and provided with slip overshoes to be worn in icy conditions.

Octane FinanceFuel Your Finance

Octane Finance is the broker of choice for new and used car dealers nationwide. With our uncompromising service levels and our genuine and professional approach, you and your customers can trust us to deliver.

Roxanne BradleyLegal AdvisorRead More by this author

Related Legal Updates

Toilet provision in the workplace

It’s hard to imagine this sensible judgment was not a relief for all the employees involved in the use of these toilets.

Can my employees tell me it is too hot to work?

Bosses should make sure they are doing all they can to keep their people cool, especially in areas where machinery might generate extra heat.

Managing Home Workers’ Health and Safety

The guidance published by the HSE about home working has been redesigned and expanded to provide more detail on straightforward actions to manage the homeworkers’ health and safety.

Site Supervisor Fined After Worker Suffered Serious Injuries

Remind your Managers and Site Supervisors about their delegated responsibilities for health and safet

HSE update – Control Of Substances Harmful to Health (COSHH)

COSHH requirements will be particularly relevant for any business running a repairs workshop.

Aiming for excellence – 10 Targets for your own risk assessments

We all recognise and understand that risk assessments are a statutory requirement.

Employer Sentenced After Oil Drum Explodes

Fined £80,000 and ordered to pay costs of £8,167.

Get in touch

Complete the form to get in touch or via our details below:

Phone
01480 455500
Address

Vinpenta House
High Causeway
Whittlesey
Peterborough
PE7 1AE

By submitting this quote you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.