The coming of winter means snow, sometimes a lot of it. Both insurance providers and business owners are well aware that the white mess increases liability risks. Commercial facilities with an effective maintenance program successfully avoid accidents related to falls and other related incidents.
The areas on the list below are those that require the most attention when clearing snow.
Snow Clean Tips from the Insurance Pros
Make sure your entrances and exits are ready for both customers and employees.
• A non-skid “welcome mat” should be placed at each doorway. This not only prevents slips and falls at the entrance, but it also should help dry off the soles of shoes so that no one will be tracking in moisture from snow and the main cause of slick floors, as well as insurance claims, not to mention the hassle and compensation from lawsuits!
• Purchase a mat that is made to handle the climate risks in your area. Mats made of rubber work best. Check the mat for uniformity; the ends should be evenly spaced from the rest of the rug so that people walking on it won’t trip over them.
• Pay attention to dry tiled flooring. Any moisture should be wiped up right away.
• Regularly inspect mats for signs of wear and tear as well as any water retention.
In the event of such damage, replace immediately.
Alert your snow maintenance workers to the following key zones:
• On and around fire hydrant, control valves and hose houses
• Walkways, ramp, entrances
• Driveways
• Parking lots
• Connecting auto and truck roadways
• Heating as well as ventilation apparatus and ducting
• Roofs
• Overhangs and awnings
Ensure the snowplowing crew follows snow piling safety. Direct members to pile snow far from:
• Commercial entrances and sidewalks
• Fire hydrants, fire house connections, outdoor water sprinkler control spigots
• Locations that encourage snow to melt onto sidewalks, parking lots, and roads as well as areas where the melted snow (i.e. water) can ice over
Furthermore, walkway maintenance is crucial.
• Make a general plan for walkway clearance that focuses on care policy, an emergency procedure, and a back-up support system.
• Ascertain that each person who is responsible is aware of their specific role and maintain a log of the assignments that have been completed.
Remember to pay attention to the dangerous icy patches.
• Before any snow or ice develops, have employees apply chemical freezing point depressants to strategic areas EARLY in the winter.
• When it snows, spread over all areas once more.
• In order for all the risk to defrost, spread over once more after it snows.