Winter in Ontario brings a fresh set of risks for businesses. Foot traffic increases around the holidays, temperatures drop suddenly, and surfaces freeze without warning. 

Slip-and-fall incidents rise each year, and many companies do not realize how exposed they are until a claim is filed. This is where commercial general liability insurance (CGL) becomes essential for protecting your business, your finances, and your peace of mind.

Related Article: What Is Business Liability Insurance and Who Needs It?

Why Winter Raises Slip-and-Fall Risks for Ontario Businesses

Winter changes how people move, how surfaces behave, and how businesses operate. Even well-maintained entrances become hazardous when snow and ice build up quickly. 

Cold weather also brings moisture inside, which creates new risks in lobbies, hallways, and checkout areas.

Common triggers include:

• Icy walkways and curb edges
  
  
• Slush tracked indoors that makes flooring slippery
  
  
• Snow-packed parking areas
  
  
• Poor visibility during early sunsets
  
  
• Temperature swings that cause repeated thaw and freeze cycles
  
  

These conditions create an environment where slip-and-fall claims become more common. A single incident can lead to medical costs, lost wages, and other damages, which is why CGL coverage matters so much during the peak winter months.

Related Article: 3 Biggest Risks for Your Small Business in Toronto

What Commercial General Liability Insurance Actually Covers

CGL Insurance protects your business when someone who does not work for you is injured or their property is damaged because of your operations. Slip-and-fall incidents fall under bodily injury liability, and claims can be significant if injuries are serious or recovery takes time.

CGL typically covers:

• Third-party bodily injury
  For example, a customer slipping on an icy step and breaking a wrist.
  
  
• Third-party property damage
  For example, a visitor damaging personal items during a fall.
  
  
• Medical expenses
  Costs related to emergency treatment or ongoing care.
  
  
• Legal fees
  Representation, court costs, and defence.
  
  
• Settlements or judgments
  Payments ordered to compensate injured individuals.
  
  

Slip-and-fall claims in Ontario often involve fractures, back injuries, shoulder injuries, and soft tissue damage. These injuries can lead to long-term physiotherapy and income loss, and the financial impact on a business can be substantial. 

CGL coverage helps absorb these costs so a single incident does not disrupt operations or strain cash flow.

How Slip-and-Fall Claims Work

Understanding the claim process helps your business respond quickly and avoid unnecessary complications. A clear plan also strengthens your defence, especially if liability is being assessed.

1. The incident occurs: A customer or visitor falls on your premises.
2. Documentation begins: Staff members record the date, time, weather, surface condition, and any witness statements. Businesses should document cleaning and salting activities through maintenance logs.
3. The injured person seeks treatment: Medical records often become part of the claim.
4. The claim is filed: The injured individual may report the incident directly to the business, submit a claim through a lawyer, or notify their insurer.
5. Investigation begins: Insurers review:

• • Weather reports
    
    
  • Video footage
    
    
  • Incident reports
    
    
  • Maintenance logs
    
    
  • Staff statements
    
    

6. Liability is determined: Your insurer assesses whether reasonable steps were taken to keep the area safe.
7. Claim resolution: Based on the investigation, insurers may negotiate a settlement or defend the claim.

Ontario’s winter conditions make the investigation stage important. Businesses with proper documentation often have better results because they can demonstrate consistent safety practices.

Gaps Businesses Often Miss in Their CGL Policies

Many Ontario businesses assume they have enough coverage. However, gaps can appear when policies are outdated or when operations change.

Common issues include:

• Outdated coverage limits

Some businesses carry the same limits they selected years ago. Medical costs and legal fees have increased, which means old limits may no longer be adequate.

• No umbrella coverage

High foot traffic locations, such as retail stores and restaurants, may need additional protection through a commercial umbrella policy. This adds another layer of liability coverage above the primary CGL limit.

• Unclear responsibilities for snow removal contractors

If your business hires a contractor for winter maintenance, you must confirm:

• They have their own CGL policy
  
  
• They list your business as an additional insured
  
  
• Their maintenance schedule matches your risk level
  
  

If these details are missing, your business may still be liable.

• Leased spaces with unclear obligations

Property owners and tenants often share responsibilities for sidewalks, parking lots, and entrances. If the lease does not clearly outline duties, liability risks increase.

• Missing maintenance logs

Many slip-and-fall claims hinge on documentation. Without logs, it becomes difficult to prove that salting or cleaning was done on time.

Reviewing your CGL policy before winter ensures these gaps are addressed early.

Related Article: Personal Umbrella Insurance: What Does It Cover?

Simple Steps That Lower Claim Chances

Insurance protects your business, but strong prevention reduces the chance of incidents altogether. Even small improvements make a meaningful difference in winter safety.

Key practices include:

1. Set a consistent de-icing schedule: Choose times that match your foot traffic and weather patterns.

2. Use the correct type of salt: Calcium chloride works well in extreme cold and prevents refreezing.

3. Keep maintenance logs updated

Record when:

• • Walkways are cleared
  • Salt is applied
  • Mats are replaced
  • Floors are inspected

4. Install proper lighting

Well-lit entrances help people see hazards.

5. Use absorbent mats indoors

Place them at all entry points to catch moisture and reduce slipping.

6. Place warning signs when floors are wet

Clear communication helps visitors avoid hazards.

7. Train staff members

Ensure everyone knows how to report risks and document incidents.

These steps improve safety and support your defence if a claim occurs.

How Marathon Insurance Helps Ontario Businesses Stay Protected

Many businesses only review their insurance when something happens. Marathon Insurance encourages proactive planning so companies understand their risks before the slip-and-fall season begins.

Marathon can help your business by:

• Reviewing your CGL coverage to confirm it matches your current operations
  
  
• Checking that your coverage limits provide enough protection for today’s costs
  
  
• Advising on umbrella policies that add extra protection for high-traffic sites
  
  
• Confirming that snow removal contractors carry their own insurance and meet the required standards
  
  
• Explaining exclusions and clarifying how coverage would respond to a slip-and-fall incident
  
  
• Providing support during a claim so your business gets fast and clear guidance
  
  

With strong winter preparation and the right insurance strategy, your business stays ready for the unpredictable conditions Ontario delivers each season.

Prepare Your Business for Slip-and-Fall Season

Winter brings its share of challenges, but your business does not have to face them alone. CGL Insurance supports you when accidents occur and helps you stay financially secure through Ontario’s toughest months. 

If you want peace of mind and coverage that fits today’s risks, Marathon Insurance can guide you through every step.

Request a Marathon Insurance review today and prepare your business for slip-and-fall season with confidence. Reach out to us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do slip-and-fall claims affect insurance premiums?

Yes. Claims history can influence your future rates, especially if incidents happen frequently.

What documents help defend a slip-and-fall claim?

Maintenance logs, weather reports, video footage, and incident reports are important.

Does my snow removal contractor need their own insurance?

Yes. They should carry their own CGL coverage and name your business as an additional insured.

Is CGL Insurance mandatory in Ontario?

It is not required by law, but most landlords, partners, and lenders require it.

Do I need an umbrella policy?

Businesses with high foot traffic or significant exposure benefit from added limits.

Does CGL Insurance cover slip-and-falls in parking lots?

Yes, as long as the business is responsible for maintaining the area.

Can a business be liable even if it salted the walkway?

It depends on timing, conditions, and documentation. Delayed maintenance can still create exposure.

How often should businesses update their CGL policy?

At least once a year, or whenever operations change.