Sidewalks and walkways are where people fall. Parking lots see vehicles, but entrances, walkways, stairs and public sidewalks see pedestrians, and pedestrians are the source of most snow and ice injury claims. If your business clears sidewalks, whether with shovels, blowers or sidewalk tractors, insurers will want to know.
Why Sidewalk Work Is Rated Carefully
- Foot traffic. Every person who walks the surface is a potential claimant.
- Municipal bylaws. Many cities require property owners to clear adjacent sidewalks within a set time, and owners pass that duty to contractors. Missing the window can strengthen a claim.
- Stairs and ramps. Steps and slopes multiply fall risk.
- Refreeze. Meltwater across a sidewalk turns to ice quickly. See completed operations.
Coverage to Confirm
- General liability that covers snow and ice injuries without exclusion. See slip and fall liability.
- Salting and sanding declared and covered, since sidewalks almost always need de-icing.
- Equipment insurance for sidewalk tractors and commercial snow blowers.
- Workers compensation for shovelling crews, who face strain and slip injuries themselves.
Contracts and Records
Write down exactly which sidewalks and walkways you are responsible for, the trigger and response time, and whether salting is included. Log every visit with times and photos. Our free snow log template is built for this.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is shovelling sidewalks for money covered by home insurance?
Generally not. Paid work is a business activity and needs business liability coverage.
Do sidewalk crews need workers compensation?
If you have employees, provincial workers compensation rules likely apply. See workers compensation for snow removal crews.