Rock Salt Myths Debunked: The Legalities of De-Icing Your Nursery

As a nursery owner or manager in the UK, you may have heard that using grit salt to melt ice on your premises could lead to being sued if someone slips and falls. However, this is a statement that is not supported by the facts and appears to have become somewhat of an urban myth. In reality, using grit salt is a common and effective way to prevent ice from forming on your grounds, and it is not likely to result in being sued.

Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957

Under the Occupiers' Liability Act of 1957, businesses and other occupiers of land are required to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents and injuries on their premises. This means that using grit salt or other measures to prevent ice from forming is not only smart, but it is also required by law. Furthermore, the law does not hold businesses strictly liable for accidents that occur on their premises. Instead, the key factor in determining whether or not a business will be held responsible for an accident is whether or not the business took reasonable steps to prevent it.

Avoiding Negligence Claims

It is also important to understand that slipping on ice is a much greater hazard than slipping on grit salt. When ice forms on the ground, it can be extremely slippery and difficult to walk on, even for those who are careful and watch where they step. In contrast, grit salt effectively melts ice and creates a rough surface that provides traction and reduces the risk of slipping. In fact, not using grit salt and allowing ice to form on your premises could be considered negligent and increase the likelihood of someone slipping and falling.

In conclusion, using grit salt at your nursery business is a smart and common-sense way to prevent ice from forming on your premises and reduce the risk of slips and falls. It is not likely to result in being sued, and in fact, not using grit salt could be considered negligent and increase the likelihood of an accident. So, don't be afraid to spread some grit salt on your grounds this winter and keep your nursery safe and accessible for all.

How Do I Use Rock Salt?

If available, check the instructions on your rock salt for more information. However if you don’t have those, here is our guide on how to use rock salt:

1. Stock up on rock salt before the winter months start.
2. Shovel the snow before applying the rock salt.
3. Apply the rock salt to all hazardous areas.
4. Let the salt work on its own for a while.
5. Remove the excess salt with a shovel.
6. Repeat the process until the area is no longer dangerous.
7. Wear gloves and have a form of grip when spreading the rock salt.
8. Keep on top of the de-icing process to prevent ice from refreezing.
9. Sweep up excess salt after the bad weather has passed to prevent environmental damage.