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When Ontario’s winter sets in, business owners and property managers face more than just icy sidewalks. They face legal obligations to keep their properties safe and accessible under AODA and OHSA. That’s where professional snow removal companies come in, not just clearing snow but protecting you from liability and ensuring compliance.

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At Facility Network, snow and ice management is more than removing snow, it’s about helping businesses maintain safe, accessible, and legally compliant properties across every storm, every time.

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Understanding AODA and OHSA Snow Removal Compliance in Ontario

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) require organizations to provide safe and accessible environments, even in harsh winter conditions.

Complying with AODA and OHSA means:

• Ensuring barrier-free access to public walkways and entrances
• Preventing hazardous conditions like icy paths or blocked ramps
• Implementing procedures to manage snow and ice safely

Failing to meet these standards in Ontario may result in:

• Accessibility compliance violations under the AODA
• Fines or penalties from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD)
• WSIB claims from injured employees
• Reputation loss and civil liability due to injuries on your premises

Snow Removal for AODA Compliance: What Ontario Law Requires

The AODA is Ontario’s accessibility law designed to create barrier-free spaces for people with disabilities. For winter property maintenance, this means snow and ice must not obstruct access to:

• Curb ramps
• Parking lots with accessible stalls
• Sidewalks and pathways
• Public entrances to buildings

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Neglecting these responsibilities can be considered non-compliance under AODA, leading to enforcement actions or human rights complaints.

OHSA Workplace Safety: Snow and Ice Hazards in Ontario

Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers must take “every precaution reasonable” to protect workers. In the context of snow and ice, this includes:

• Removing or treating slippery surfaces
• Conducting regular inspections
• Providing signage for hazards

Key OHSA provisions that apply include:

• Section 25(2)(h): Employers must take all reasonable precautions for worker safety
• Regulation 851 (Industrial Establishments), Section 11: Floors and work surfaces must be kept free of hazards
• Regulation 213/91 (Construction Projects), Section 35: Work surfaces must be cleared of snow and ice before work begins

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to:

• Ministry of Labour inspections and orders
• WSIB claims from injuries
• Temporary work stoppages or fines

Hiring professional snow removal companies ensures timely clearing of surfaces, reducing the risk of slip-and-fall incidents among workers and visitors.

Slip-and-Fall Liability Prevention: Ontario Statistics & Risk

Slip-and-falls are a leading cause of winter-related injuries in Canada. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), over 21,000 hospitalizations each year result from falls on snow and ice.

To reduce liability risk, Ontario businesses must:

• Promptly remove snow and ice
• Use grit, sand, or eco-safe salt
• Monitor high-traffic areas for re-freezing
• Maintain documentation of winter safety procedures

Commercial snow removal services help protect you by:

• Keeping digital logs and timestamped reports
• Using fast-acting, environmentally responsible de-icers
• Conducting post-treatment inspections to detect black ice or compacted snow

This proactive strategy significantly reduces the chance of facing personal injury lawsuits and WSIB claims.

Snow and Ice Safety Standards: Canadian Best Practices for Compliance

Winter safety in Ontario isn’t just about snow shovelling, it’s about following industry standards and government guidelines. Best practices include:

• Pre-treatment: Applying salt or brine before a snow event
• Plowing: Clearing large areas like parking lots and private roadways
• Manual clearing: Targeting narrow spaces, steps, and ramps
• De-icing: Breaking down hardened or refrozen ice patches

Following these methods ensures:

• Lower risk of injury and property damage
• Continuous accessibility for customers and staff
• Compliance with AODA, OHSA, and WSIB expectations

How Commercial Snow Removal Companies Ensure Year-Round Legal Compliance

Expert snow removal providers like Facility Network go beyond reactive service. They implement full-cycle snow and ice management solutions tailored to your property.

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1. Pre-Season Planning

Before the first snowfall, companies will:

• Inspect your site for AODA-sensitive areas
• Identify slip-risk zones
• Create custom winter response plans

2. Proactive Storm Monitoring & Response

Using local meteorological tools, snow removal crews:

• Monitor approaching systems
• Dispatch teams for pre-treatment
• Provide real-time updates during storms

3. Compliance Reporting & Documentation

To satisfy OHSA inspectors or insurance agents, snow contractors offer:

• Timestamped work logs
• Photos showing cleared access areas
• Records of de-icing treatments and hazard mitigation

4. Post-Storm Site Inspections

After snowfall, service continues with:

• Re-freeze prevention
• Clearing of secondary pathways and curb ramps
• Installation of caution signage if necessary

These ongoing services demonstrate your commitment to safety and provide legal protection in case of disputes.

Protect Your Ontario Business with Professional Snow Services

Snow and ice pose serious risks to your business, from injury claims to accessibility complaints. By working with a professional commercial snow removal team, you ensure your site is safe, accessible, and legally compliant under AODA, OHSA, and WSIB guidelines.

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From pre-treatment and plowing to documentation and inspections, Facility Network delivers peace of mind, even in the most unpredictable Canadian winters. Partner with Facility Network today to protect your people, your property, and your brand, all winter long.

FAQs

1. Why is AODA compliance important for snow removal?
AODA compliance ensures people with disabilities can safely access businesses. Failure to maintain clear walkways can result in accessibility violations and legal complaints.

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2. How often should snow be cleared under OHSA in Ontario?
Snow and ice must be removed promptly after accumulation, with continuous monitoring to prevent hazardous conditions. Delays can result in fines or workplace injury claims.

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3. What documentation supports compliance with Ontario regulations?
Keep timestamped logs, photos, material application records, and inspection reports to show due diligence under AODA and OHSA requirements.

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4. Are businesses liable if someone slips on untreated ice?
Yes. Under Ontario law, businesses have a duty of care. Failure to clear snow and ice can result in civil liability and WSIB injury claims.

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5. Do commercial snow removal services include post-storm visits?
Yes. Reputable companies conduct follow-up inspections, check for re-freezing, and ensure continued accessibility, which is crucial for regulatory compliance.