1. Zurich Risk Engineering Services Corporation
Winter Hazard Control Program
January 16, 2014
Bill Enos, Senior Risk Consulting Engineer
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2. Learning objectives
By the end of this program we hope that you will be able to:
• Understand and list why you need a winter hazard control program
• Explain the major components of the program
• Implement the appropriate and effective elements and techniques of the
program
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3. Cost of Winter Weather
According to the National Weather Service the economic impact of winter
weather can range from $3 billion during a normal season to up to $6
billion during a severe winter.
• During the period from 1988 thru 1995, the contribution from winter storms to
the total damage estimate of $114 billion was a little over $3 billion. During this
same 8-year period winter storms accounted for 372 deaths and 5690 injuries
with the bulk of the injuries associated with ice-storms. Associated fatalities
were primarily attributed to overexertion.
• The economic effects of winter storms may
be more indirect than the damage-driven
effects of weather phenomena such as
hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and hail.
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4. Are you prepared?
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Develop a written program for winter hazards that includes:
• Structures
• Parking areas and walkways/stairs
• People
• Driving
• Contractor controls

5. Zurich Risk Engineering Services Corporation
Building and Structural Controls
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6. Building preparedness
Building preparedness generally includes the following areas:
• Roofs
• Utilities – electrical, water, natural gas, etc.
• Sprinkler and HVAC systems
Develop checklists and document actions!
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7. Building maintenance
Evaluate building exterior in serviceable weather
• Roof coverings and drains/scuppers
• Wall claddings
• Window glazing
• Doors – personnel and service
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8. Building Inspections - roofs
Conduct formal inspections quarterly looking for:
• Roof drains, gutters, downspouts free of debris
• Bottom of downspouts are free and clear to drain
• Roof flashing and coping intact and
vents tight
• Condition of roof
• Roof-mounted equipment properly
anchored and secured
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9. Roof inspection examples
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10. Roofs and the risk of collapse
Building snow loads may be exceeded if
• Heavy snow event, repeat snow events, snow followed by rain and ice
• Addition to building where roof is higher than existing structure-potential
for drifting
• New rooftop equipment added so dead load is increased-HVAC units,
solar panels, antennas/towers
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11. Roof Inspection Checklist
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12. Roofs – Removal of snow accumulation
Know your building design snow load!
Monitor each snow event and have a plan for snow removal:
• Manual monitoring (weigh a one-foot sample)
• Automatic deflection supervision system
When action is needed:
• Used trained professionals or qualified persons and provide them with
roof plans
• Remove drifted snow first
• Prevent damage to roof membrane
• DO NOT USE SALT
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13. Building inspections
Windows:
• Broken
• Missing
• Replace cracked or missing glazing
Doors:
• Keep closed
• Check seals
• Loading dock and personnel doors
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14. Building heat
• Check all heating systems annually prior to the cold weather season
• Monitor the temperature in unoccupied buildings, spaces
• Maintain adequate supplies of fuel – oil, propane, coal
• Maintain distribution of heat to all building systems subject to freezing:
– Fire sprinklers
– Domestic hot and cold water
– Steam condensate return lines
– Process water lines
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15. Fire protection systems
Maintain adequate heat:
• All areas with wet pipe sprinkler systems
• Dry valve closets
• Fire pump houses or rooms
• Fire alarm low temperature sensors
Maintain drains:
• Dry pipe system low point drains
• Fire department connections
• Fire pump header
• Fire hydrants
• Post indicator valves
• Maintain adequate pressure on the dry pipe systems
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16. Power sources and equipment
• Make sure emergency generators are fueled and
tested
• Check emergency lighting
• Inspect electrical supply lines
• Review emergency equipment shut-down procedures and
lockout/tagout procedures
• Back up computer data and keep offsite or in cloud
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17. Zurich Risk Engineering Services Corporation
Protection of People

18. People safety
• Review weather alerts
• Establish or check your internal notification plan
• Educate employees on hypothermia, over-exertion, frost-bite
• Encourage employees to stay home when sick
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19. Slips, trips and falls
• Snow removal from parking lots and walkways
• Review your lease to determine who is responsible
• Check ice melt supply
• Ensure maintenance of removal equipment
• Adequate lighting
• Walk-off mats at entrances to buildings
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20. Slips, trips and falls
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21. Avoiding slips, trips and falls
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How do I walk safely on snow and ice?
• Always observe your surroundings. This applies when parking your car, walking to and from your car,
as well as walking to and from work. Take note of walking distances and surface conditions before you
park your car. If possible, plan your route and allow sufficient time to reach your destination.
• Do not hurry and jump out of your car. Swing both legs around and position yourself with both legs
squarely in front of you with feet properly positioned on the ground (avoiding ice if possible). Support
your arms by holding onto the vehicle, and then carefully stand up.
• Before you take a step, take a deep breath and relax. Bend and relax your knees, walk slowly, and take
small steps to maintain your center of balance over your feet.
• Walk carefully, anticipate the possibility of falling, and never run or hurry on icy walkways. Walking
slowly will help you to react quickly to a change in traction if needed.
• Keep your eyes focused on where you are going and plan your next steps and moves.
• To help your balance, keep your hands at your sides and not in your pockets.
• If handrails or railings are available, use them, but be sure to wear your gloves to help protect from
the elements and assist with your gripping ability.
• Avoid carrying big or bulky items and try never to carry heavy boxes or items on stairways when in
slippery, wet or icy conditions. If you need to carry items, try to keep one hand free to hold onto railings.
Also, try to make sure your vision is not obstructed.

22. Zurich Risk Engineering Services Corporation
Contractor and Vehicle Controls

23. Contractor controls
• Review contracts for insurance requirements
– WC, GL, Auto
• Check for up-to-date certificates of insurance with minimum limits
• Review contract details
• Pre-select contractors
• Check references
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24. Winter driving safety
• Maintain vehicles
• Winterize vehicles
• Inspect vehicles pre- and post-trip:
– Windshield wipers and fluid
– Lights
– Brakes
– Tires
– Belts and hoses
– Battery, cables and clamps
– Anti-freeze
– Oil
• Keep vehicle adequately fueled – 1/2
• Keep emergency supplies in vehicle
• Review winter driving safety
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25. Vehicle inspection checklist
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26. Emergency vehicles supplies
Emergency items should be kept in each vehicle:
• Rain gear and extra clothing (including mittens, gloves, hats and socks)
• A fully charged cell phone, flashlights with extra batteries
• A small sack of sand (for traction)
• A snow shovel
• A brightly colored cloth to use as a flag (if needed)
• Bottled water
• Food such as a box of crackers
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27. Other helpful winter resources
• www.zurichna.com
• www.weather.gov
• www.theweathernetwork.com (Canada)
• www.meteoalarm.eu (Europe)
• www.noaa.gov
• Local television and radio
• NOAA weather radios
• National weather service
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28. Summary
• Do not let the winter weather negatively impact your bottom line
• Review all business continuity plans
• Contact your local Zurich Risk Engineering Consultant or BB&T office
for assistance in your preparation efforts
Your success is our success!
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29. Questions/comments
Thank you!
© 2014 Zurich Services Corporation. All rights reserved.
The information in this publication and presentation was compiled by Zurich Services Corporation from sources believed to be reliable. Further, all sample policies and
procedures herein should serve as a guideline which you can use to create your own policies and procedures. We trust that you will customize these samples to reflect
your own operations and believe that these samples may serve as a helpful platform for this endeavor. Any and all information contained herein is not intended to
constitute legal advice and accordingly, you should consult with your own attorneys when developing programs and policies. We do not guarantee the accuracy of this
information or any results and further assume no liability in connection with this publication and presentation and sample policies and procedures, including any
information, methods or safety suggestions contained herein. Moreover, Zurich Services Corporation reminds you that this cannot be assumed to contain every
acceptable safety and compliance procedure or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. The subject matter of this publication and
presentation is not tied to any specific insurance product nor will adopting these policies and procedures ensure coverage under any insurance policy.