Why Every Business Needs Rock Salt on Site This Winter

Posted on 6th January 2026

Slips, trips and falls are some of the most common causes of winter workplace accidents and they’re almost always preventable. With freezing temperatures, icy paths and snow-covered car parks now a daily reality, having a reliable supply of rock salt on site is no longer optional. It’s essential.

Whether you’re managing a retail park, a school entrance, a care home pathway or a warehouse loading bay, buying bulk de-icing salt ensures you can respond quickly and responsibly to hazardous conditions.

Here’s why it matters, what kind of rock salt is right for your premises, and how to stay winter-ready while protecting your people.

The Risk of Slips and Falls in Winter Conditions

Icy weather creates dangerous conditions across all kinds of commercial and public-facing properties. Accidents can occur outside entrances, on access roads, in car parks and along footpaths. The consequences range from minor injuries to serious claims, and in many cases, the business owner is liable.

Health and safety legislation places a duty of care on employers and site managers to maintain safe access to and around the premises. Failure to grit effectively during icy conditions can lead to:

• Public liability claims
• Staff absence or injury
• Delivery disruptions
• Damage to vehicles or property

That’s why every winter safety plan should include a proactive approach to gritting with rock salt.

How Rock Salt Helps Prevent Slips and Accidents

When applied before or during freezing conditions, rock salt helps by:

• Lowering the freezing point of water, preventing ice from forming
• Melting existing snow and frost, breaking the bond between ice and the surface
• Improving surface grip, especially on slopes, steps or smooth paths

Regular gritting using high-performance de-icing salt significantly reduces the risk of injury and keeps your business moving.

Which Rock Salt Should You Use: White or Brown?

Choosing the right type of salt depends on your location, footfall and surface type.

Brown Rock Salt

• Contains natural grit, providing extra traction
• Most cost-effective for large-scale areas
• Ideal for roads, car parks, industrial yards, service entrances

White Rock Salt

• Cleaner, more refined and leaves no visible residue
• Less likely to be tracked indoors
• Ideal for entrances, high-traffic pavements, public buildings and retail areas

For many businesses, the best approach is to keep both white and brown salt on hand. Brown rock salt is best for larger outdoor areas, white rock salt for steps, entrances and footpaths.

Why Bulk Rock Salt is the Smart Choice for Businesses

When winter weather strikes, there’s no time to waste. Buying de-icing salt in bulk means:

• Better cost per kilo
• No downtime between deliveries
• Flexibility to grit as often as needed
• Peace of mind knowing you're always prepared

At Stone & Surfaces Direct, we offer a full range of commercial-grade rock salt, including:

• 20kg Bags - for topping up or smaller sites
• Mini Bag (200kg)
• Midi Bag (450kg)
• Urban Bag (700kg)
• Bulk Bag (1000kg) - best for large premises, business parks and councils

All are available with fast UK delivery and kerbside drop-off.

How to Store Rock Salt on Site

Good storage extends the life and performance of your salt. Whether you order a pallet or a single bulk bag, follow these tips:

• Store in a dry, sheltered area like a grit bin or outbuilding
• Keep bags sealed until use to prevent moisture absorption
• Place pallets on hard, flat ground - avoid gravel or grass
• Use covered storage for long-term supply

If stored correctly, rock salt can last indefinitely, meaning you can carry unused stock into the following winter season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should businesses apply rock salt?

Apply before frost is forecast (pre-salting) and reapply during or after snowfall. For high-footfall areas, a daily application may be needed during peak winter conditions.

How much rock salt does a business need?

This depends on surface size and frequency. As a rough guide:

• 20-40g per square metre for light frost
• Up to 70g per square metre for heavier ice

Larger sites may require multiple bags or a full bulk pallet. Our rock salt calculator can help determine the right quantity.

Is rock salt a legal requirement for businesses?

There is no law mandating rock salt specifically, but employers and property managers have a legal duty under health and safety regulations to maintain safe access. Rock salt is a proven, industry-standard method for managing winter hazards.

Can I get next-day delivery on bulk salt?

We offer fast, nationwide delivery across the UK. Most orders are fulfilled within 2–5 working days. For urgent orders or delivery-specific needs, contact our team to check availability.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

At the height of winter, demand for rock salt surges and so does the risk. Being prepared with bulk rock salt on site means you're ready to respond, keep your business compliant, and ensure staff, customers and visitors are safe at all times.

Explore our full range of white and brown de-icing salt today, or get in touch for expert advice on choosing the right product and quantity for your premises.