Final year might have been the warmest on record, but 2015 has brought us up sharp with reminder of just how bitter the climate can be in January.
Temperatures have fallen as low as minus 13.7 degrees centigrade in Scotland, and most components of the UK have noticed at least a dusting of winter snow.
More is forecast, which raises a hoary old query – do you clear an accumulation off the pavement in front of your home, or do you let sleeping flakes lie?
Are you liable if someone slips and injures themselves – or any other passing elves – outside your property?
All clear for shovellers?
Lord Freud, the health and safety minister, wants individuals across Britain do a very good deed and clear snow from footpaths with out worrying about obtaining sued.
Presenting his evaluation of the predicament, Lord Freud mentioned: “People need to be conscious that they will not be reprimanded for undertaking a great deed by clearing ice and snow.”
But why do folks even consider that clearing snow could lead to a court case?
Myth the point
In past winters, media reports have claimed that health and security regulations imply clearing snow at your property (or your neighbour’s) or outside your enterprise could leave you at risk of litigation.
Leave a footpath in a treacherous situation, the stories mentioned, and you could be sued for any injuries due to individuals slipping, for example.
So Lord Freud is worried that would-be excellent Samaritans may possibly leave their shovels in the shed for worry their effectively-intentioned action could backfire on them.
Receiving the drift
And he is not the only one particular in the government speaking out to encourage folks to clear snow if and when it comes in quantity.
Judith Hackitt, chair of the Well being and Safety Executive, no much less, said: “Anyone can clear ice and snow from public spaces, so don’t be place off because you’re afraid somebody will get injured.
“Remember, folks walking on snow and ice have a duty to themselves to be cautious.”
Snow-go locations
As properly busting misunderstandings about clearing snow, the government has put with each other a list of prime tips to aid you do it right.
Now, we’re not suggesting for a moment that you need tips on how to clear snow, but right here they are anyway…
- Do it promptly right after the snow falls – it’ll less complicated to move when it is fresh and loose.
- Do not use water to wash snow away – it may possibly refreeze and turn into black ice.
- Use salt if attainable – it will melt the ice or snow and cease it from refreezing overnight (but don’t use salt from roadside salting bins as this is necessary to hold roads clear).
- Use ash and sand if you do not have sufficient salt – it will offer grip underfoot.
- Pay additional interest when clearing actions and steep pathways – using more salt may possibly help.
Panel beaters
The Health and Security Executive is keen to cease bogus excuses give true safety laws a bad name. So if you come across a myth masquerading as well being and security regulation, why not report it to the Wellness and Safety Executive’s (HSE) Myth Busters Challenge Panel? It has busted 336 myths since launch in April 2012.
Maintain us up to speed in the box below.
Clearing snow off the pavement? No need to have to kerb your enthusiasm
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