As the first snows begin to fall, businesses need to turn their thoughts to safety for their employees and customers. Are your parking areas at risk? Did you remember to get salt for walkways? Who’s going to wage the battle against the elements? A proper snow and ice removal plan keeps your business running full steam ahead!
With the snow and ice comes increased risks of slips and falls, falling ice, damage to your business, and car accidents. To keep your customers and employees safe this season, consider hiring professionals to maintain your business on a regular schedule. This ensures tasks like these aren’t overlooked and are managed effectively:
Salting and De-Icing Pathways
Photo: societyinsurance.com
The number one thing that comes to everyone’s mind when snow and ice arrive is a slipping hazard. Whether you operate a store or a warehouse, your business has walkways for customers and employees. These can be covered in snow and ice, becoming dangerous! Salting and de-icing your pathways consistently will keep everyone upright and secure. Save the ice skating for the rink!
Parking Lot Snow Removal
You managed to keep your walkways clear but what about your parking areas? All the clear pathways in the world won’t help your business if no one can get their car to it! Icy parking areas provide major risks for drivers and pedestrians alike. Having your parking areas cleared and salted on a regular basis is extremely important. A professional will have the equipment necessary to keep your lots clean and safe!
Employee Break Areas
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One of the most overlooked areas for safety are employee break areas! Employees are people, too! We know you want to keep everyone safe, so don’t forget about having break areas (especially outside smoking areas, benches, etc.) cleared and salted.
Icicle/Snow Dam Prevention and Removal
Photo: jackjaffa.com
Buildings or houses, snow and ice act the same! Ensure the safety of customers and employees by having icicles removed. They may be beautiful, but they can also be deadly. Falling ice is most common when the sun is shining directly on icicles and at times of high wind. As they melt a little, they can come loose from their position and fall. Everyone has seen icicles splattered across pathways before. Ensure the safety of patrons and workers by having them removed before they become a problem!
Proper Lighting
Photo: outdoorlights.com
You may be thinking just of snow and ice as potential hazards during winter, but what about light? More accurately, the lack thereof! As the sun sets earlier, make sure all areas of your business are well lit. This can help drivers see each other and pedestrians, help those walking see any residual ice patches, etc. Having your business properly lit is a safety must. Speak to
a professional about where to have your lighting installed and stay safe all year!
Store Tools Correctly
Photo: bestproducts.com
The last bit we’ll touch on is a great safety tip for businesses. This is to properly store tools during winter! Tools should, of course, be stored correctly all year long, but winter brings with it new hazards. Cover or wrap things like ladders and step stools when not in use to prevent ice and snow from getting on them. A slippery surface on these can have serious consequences. Inspect any tools before use to ensure safety. Taking the extra moment to check for safety can make the difference between just another work day and a trip to the hospital!
As you can see, businesses have their own sets of safety concerns in the winter months. Snow removal and ice prevention are the two biggest things you can do to keep your business safe for everyone. It’s a big job! Hiring a professional to keep a regular winter maintenance schedule will keep your business running smoothly. Have you made your winter safety plans for your business yet? If you’re focused on running your business and need snow plowing and removal help throughout the season. Contact us below! We provide customer service before, during and after storms so you’re always in contact with us.
NVS Landscapes offers Commercial Snow Removal & Plowing Services. Contact us if you’re interested in a quote using the form below, or give us a call!
