Does OSHA require employers to clear snow and ice?
For workplaces, yes. OSHA's walking-working surfaces standard, 29 CFR 1910.22, requires employers to keep walking-working surfaces free of hazards including snow and ice, inspect them, and correct hazards before employees use the surface again.
At a warehouse, plant or office campus that covers more than the customer lot: loading docks, yard walkways, employee entrances and the path from the employee lot to the door.
Shift changes matter more than opening hours at an industrial site, so write the clear-by time in the contract around the shifts. This is general information, not legal advice.
Go deeper
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More on slip-and-fall, liability & insurance
- What should I do if someone slips and falls on ice at my property?
- How long should I keep snow removal records?
- What should a snow contractor's certificate of insurance show?
- Is an HOA liable for a fall on the public sidewalk outside the community?
- What is New Jersey's ongoing storm rule?
- Does salting during a storm create liability in New Jersey?
- Does hiring a snow contractor move the liability off the property owner?
- Does the ADA require clearing snow from accessible parking spaces?
From JRW Services LLC, commercial snow and ice management across Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Morris and Warren counties, NJ. All answers
Need this handled at your property?
Call (973) 459-0074 or send the form, and we will walk the site and put it in writing before the first storm.