Answer to Question 1: Dear Sir, The employers responsibilities under Section 8 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Regulations 2005 extends to all places of work controlled by you. (Front gate to Back gate and all in between). The legislation does not require you to guarantee a safe place of work but to ensure a safe place of work in so far as is reasonable practicable. You say the Company made every effort to ensure the car park was clear with salt and grit. How many times a day was this carried out and in particular was it completed first thing in the morning before the staff came to work. It may freeze a number of times throughout the day and the early salting may have little effect when staff are going home. Did you post temporary signs in the car park advising staff and visitors to take care due to slippery surfaces. Was the employee on a footpath or the roadway when he / she fell. Do you have footpaths in the car park? What type of footwear was the employee wearing and was it suitable for the conditions. Was the employee late and rushing to clock, swipe or sign in. All of these questions will help to decide who was at fault and the answer may be that you were both negligent. Without a lot more information it would be difficult for me to say you have no liability. I hope this was helpful to you. Best Regards, |