Q&A: Wintertime Liability - by Chris DiPietro and Jennifer Dickenson, CCI Directors
for taking extra measures to prevent a loss. The intention of insurance is to
As we gear up for the winter, many people are focussed on closing irrigation systems, cleaning out eaves troughs and downspouts, turning off water features and hoses, and maybe even ordering ice melt. Seldom, however, are they thinking about what they can do to help decrease “Slip and Falls” for people on their property. Everyone on the property can help identify potential areas that might result in a “Slip and Fall” and report to the manager. Chris DiPietro, an insurance broker with McConville Omni Insurance Brokers and Jennifer Dickenson, a condominium manager with Dickenson Condo Management, have asked and answered a few questions, to help Boards understand what they can do to help limit the risks associated with having a condominium in Canada, during the winter. Q: Should boards consider the 'extra' services from landscapers during winter that appear to remove even more liability from boards/ corps? A: Yes, absolutely, the additional cost can be minimal compared to the premium increase realized should there be a slip and fall. In addition, it could be your neighbour that is injured, no one wants that. Q: Does it affect how insurance companies view slip/fall responsibility? A: Should a slip and fall occur, showing that the Corporation went the extra mile to prevent an accident can make a big difference in a settlement or better yet, no settlement. Q: By taking extra measures, will Condo Corporations get a discount from the insurance company?
financially protect you for an unforeseen accident. Insurance
companies expect you to take every prudent measure in order to prevent a loss. It is in the best interest for both parties. What can we do as a Corporation to help prevent slip and falls? Q: A: For townhouse style condominiums, supply small containers of sand/salt or ice melt to the units and ask that they spread it should they see any ice or slippery conditions on their sidewalk or driveway between visits from their snow crews. Often people complain that this can be messy when tracked into your home, but it is far better than a trip to the hospital. Identify problem areas such as eaves troughs that drain onto the driveway. Redirect where possible or be cognizant that the area needs ice melt when there has been a thaw then freeze. Be a good neighbour…if your neighbour is not able to apply ice melt and you are, then lend a hand. Fix trip hazards such as sidewalks that have heaved or driveways that have sunk. More than half an inch of rise or fall can cause an accident.
Chris Pietro , R.I.B. (Ont) is a representative with McConville Omni In- surance Brokers Ltd. He was elected to the CCI Board of Directors in 2015, served as Vice-President in 2016 and assumed the role of President in 2017 for two years. Chris has also been a driving force within the Golf Tournament Commit- tee since 2015. Jennifer Dickenson , BSc (Hons), RCM is a condo- minium manager with Dick- enson Condo Management. She was first elected to the CCI Board of Directors in 2016, currently serves as Vice - Present and the chapter’s National Representative. Jennifer is involved in all
We live in Canada, wear the proper shoes in the winter months!!
Fix dips in the pavement or low spots on a sidewalk that tend to pool water. When these areas freeze and have a light snow over top they become very slippery. If you are not able to fix them at the time they are discovered, then make sure the area is clearly marked and/or take special care by applying ice
A: Generally, there are no discounts
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