by Brianna Crandall — January 6, 2014—The British Institute of Facilities Management (BIFM) and U.K. snow clearance company GRITIT (BIFM Awards Service Provider of the Year 2013) have partnered in recent months to survey BIFM members and the wider U.K. FM industry in order to produce a guide to help facilities managers prepare ahead for winter weather.
According to the BIFM, Green Flag estimates from its research that the cost of U.K. business closures due to snow during the 2012 winter was £318 million. The BIFM says that much of that expense could probably have been prevented if businesses were suitably prepared.
The BIFM/GRITIT Winter Weather Checklist provides best practice points that organizations should consider when reviewing or developing their winter risk management plan. It includes sections on: Preparing for Winter, Personal Liability, Health and Safety, Managing Gritting and Snow Clearance, Self-delivery, and Weather Monitoring.
U.K. specialist business insurer QBE and its Risk Solutions team have also worked closely with GRITIT, and they recommend all businesses review and implement this guidance to reduce their business costs and mitigate potential liability claims.
