Snow removal is an integral service that enhances business operations while protecting customer and employee safety. Cleared roadways, parking lots and pathways help prevent accidents that damage property and jeopardise reputations.
Establish a winter safety plan that covers snow removal procedures, de-icing methods and worker training. Introduce staggered breaks so crews remain focused in extreme cold temperatures.
Safety First
Snow removal can be a physically demanding job for employees. They must dress appropriately, take special care when cleaning snow off of backs and legs, and avoid overexertion to remain healthy and safe on the job.
Employers must ensure all staff is educated on safety procedures and policies, including training for equipment operators as well as an easily understandable safety manual. Furthermore, employers should remain up-to-date with laws regulating sidewalks, public spaces and access areas on commercial properties.
Retail stores should hire snow removal companies capable of swiftly and safely clearing parking lots, walkways and entrances during store operating hours. In addition, these professionals should also have the ability to safely clear snow from driveways without spreading it onto city streets; and treat icy surfaces before high levels of pedestrian traffic arrives in order to help prevent slip and fall accidents from happening. It would also be prudent for them to add an endorsement for such work onto their business insurance policy policy.
Know Your Limits
Snow removal can be challenging work that demands great physical effort, which may result in health complications like back sprains and strains, heart attacks and finger amputations.
Business owners must always prioritize employee safety when asking staff to shovel snow – particularly for employees over 60, those with preexisting conditions or those who smoke.
Employers should hire professional snow removal companies with modern equipment and on-call crews for 24/7 snow removal services to ensure customers and employees can easily enter and leave the building, reduce productivity losses associated with snowy or icy parking lots, avoid the loss of productivity revenue associated with them, as well as comply with state or municipal requirements to clear away snow/ice accumulation from properties, fines/suits may result if failure to do so, as well as protect pedestrian access laws.
Wear the Right Gear
Snow removal can be an exhausting physical task, so field service staff must come prepared. Wearing layers to decrease overheating risks as well as footwear and gloves that protect from slip-and-fall injuries are crucial elements to be properly attired for this endeavor.
When plowing, it is vital for crews to have a clear view and be mindful of their surroundings, especially pedestrians and vehicles that might suddenly appear from behind curbs. Furthermore, it should be pointed away from vehicles and sidewalks so as to not damage either one of them.
Recent research2 revealed that shoveling can be particularly hazardous for individuals who do not exercise regularly, have heart disease or high blood pressure. Researchers advised individuals over 50 to consult with their physician prior to engaging in strenuous tasks like shoveling. Furthermore, wearing brightly-colored clothing while shoveling may make it more visible for oncoming traffic and increase safety.
Be Prepared
Field service staff must have access to high-quality equipment and safety training before beginning snow clearing services on any property. Before clearing snow begins, take time to visit the property in advance in order to identify items which could become hidden under snow cover, such as fire hydrants, curbs, signs, drop-offs, overhead obstructions and any other features of its exterior that could become harder to detect such as curbs or signs that could bury themselves under layers of white powder – for instance fire hydrants may bury themselves deeper under a blanket of snow such as fire hydrants buried under thicket of whiteness – so take time when visiting it all begins in advance to identify all items which could become hidden beneath layers of white powder that cover; take note to inspecting property for anything that might become harder than anticipated, such as fire hydrants buried and harder than expected such as curbs signs drop-offs overhead obstructions that might hide underneath layers of white powder such as fire hydrants curbs signs drop-offs overhead obstructions etc. Identify any items which could become hidden by heavy snow such as fire hydrants hydrants curbs signs drop-offs drop-offs drop offs overhead obstructions as well as any features present such as fire hydrants fire hydrants curbs signs drop-offs drop offs drop offs overhead obstructions etc that might become hidden by snow such as fire hydrants fire hydrants fire hydrants buried more quickly such as fire hydrants etc.
Keep in mind that snow shoveling can be a physically demanding activity for employees, so ensure they’re well hydrated and equipped with cold weather clothing and footwear to stay comfortable while performing their task. ReachOut’s winter weather risk management tips may also come in handy during this season’s snow removal operations – reach out today and learn how ReachOut can support the safety of your field service team during snow removal!