Clearing paths and insurance implications

[sarah707]

My path is like an ice rink just now but I was worried to clear it in case I left a patch of ice and a parent slipped.

However a couple of parents commented how slippy it was yesterday so I had to take action today.

I spoke to Morton Michel (my insurer) to get the latest thinking on what I should do...

Morton Michel tells me that I should make reasonable attempts to ensure a safe entrance and exit to and from the property.

I should also show that I have maintained the safe entrance and exit regularly.

If I can demonstrate I have done this through my risk assessments, then I will be covered if anyone has an accident.

I hope this helps others who might be wondering what to do for the best

[Alibali]

Theres no way I can clear the amount of snow/ice on my path! It's breaking snow ploughs never mind my shovel

[fionamal]

Im the same Ali, ive cleared it as best as can but at the sides of the path its now 4 foot tall where we have put the snow from the path, its just rediculous and the salt isnt eating through the ice as its so thick.

[sweets]

we havnt had snow here but LOTS of frost and my front path is like an ice rink too! i made the decision the other day to salt it, i remember the insurance debate we had about this before but the other day i nearly slipped carrying my special needs child from the car! so decided it was the worth the risk of salting for mine and his sake. i also salted a bit of the pavement leading up to were i park my car.

it made such an immediate difference

thanks for enquiring about it sarah

[Alibali]

The authorities are saying that salt doesnt work if temp falls below -10, and we're at -13 at the moment with a possibility of -20, i just hope the parents take care.

[curlycathy]

Its awful here - we cleared a path on the drive and salted it but its still icy - there's one particular bad patch which cant be avoided.

I tend to stand at the front door and warn everyone to watch out for the ice!

[Mouse]

Thanks for that Sarah. During the day our driveway has a clear bit up the middle where DH's car has been parked, but the rest is pure ice. I was in 2 minds about clearing it, but I think our temperature is due to rise a bit tomorrow, so thought I'd wait & see.

[Pauline]

It was on the news recently that the law has been verified that don't have to worry about clearing snow from your area, it came after people were scared to move snow or ice.

More here on best practice:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868

[Chimps Childminding]

Thank you for that!! I remember the debate earlier in the year. I have put rock salt down on my drive as it is slabbed and was very slippery!! Glad to know that it is unlikely I could be sued

[tulip0803]

I had to do something when the ice first started as DH slipped and dislocated his knee - this was the first cold, slightly icy night, before the snow . since then it has been an ice rink. DH has ordered proper salt from the garage supplier now! (and we are running out of table salt )

[Hebs]

i'm doing mine tomorrow are it's sheet ice

[MarpleJollytots]

One of my parents owns a plant hire company,he did our road with a snow plough and left us 2 bags of grit !!!!!For free !!