I work in a building where there is an unfriendly relationship with the landlord. Last year, the parking lot became a sheet of ice for weeks...

Question

I work in a building where there is an unfriendly relationship with the landlord. Last year, the parking lot became a sheet of ice for weeks, resulting in multiple employees slipping and falling. The landlord refused to salt the lot, as did the employer. I fear this year will be no different.

Who is legally responsible for salting the lot to make it safe, and can action legally be taken against me if I refuse to walk across said sheet of ice to get into work? Should I fall and be injured, who is liable?

Answer

In Ohio, as between landlords and tenants, there is no responsibility on the landlord's part to protect the tenants from natural accumulations of ice and snow (LaCourse v. Fleitz). But as you are an employee rather than a tenant, the law may be different. I would try posting your question in the employment section of law guru.