When the snow starts falling, commercial property owners can’t afford to be caught off guard. Slippery sidewalks and icy parking lots pose serious risks if not properly managed. Without a solid snow and ice management plan, you’re putting your business and bottom line on thin ice. Customer safety and accessibility should be top priorities to avoid injuries or lawsuits, but profits can also take a major hit if wintry weather forces closures. That’s why having proactive protocols for plowing, salting, and maintaining outdoor spaces is so essential. This guide will cover creating a customized snow removal plan tailored to your property, selecting effective ice melt products and traction aids, implementing additional precautions like lighting improvements and leak repairs, and evaluating your program after each winter. With strategic preparation and vigilant upkeep, as temperatures drop, your business can continue thriving all season. We’ll explore how you can keep operations running smoothly and avoid serious hazards, so your property stays safe and accessible for all who depend on it.

Developing Your Snow Removal Plan

Having a comprehensive commercial snow and ice management plan in place is critical for several reasons. First and foremost, clearing snow and treating icy areas helps reduce the risk of dangerous and costly slip-and-fall injuries for both employees and customers. Premises liability laws mean businesses can face negligence lawsuits if someone gets injured on an untreated slippery surface on their property. Effective snow removal also ensures customers can safely access your location without obstruction. If patrons can’t enter your building or use the parking lot due to unplowed snow or untreated ice, you’re losing out on business and income. Consistent access is key for many operations. Additionally, many municipalities have ordinances requiring snow removal within a certain timeframe after a storm, usually 24-48 hours. Failure to comply can result in fines or other penalties. By proactively managing snow and ice with plowing, de-icing materials, and additional traction aids, commercial property owners can avoid regulatory issues while demonstrating their commitment to safety and customer service. Taking on winter hazards is a necessity for uninterrupted business.

Choosing Ice Melts and Traction Aids

Creating an effective snow removal plan starts by assessing your property’s size and layout, including all ground surfaces like parking lots, sidewalks, entryways, and loading docks. Determine equipment needs, like snow plows, blowers, salt/ice melt products, and shovels. Decide whether to use in-house staff or hire professional snow removal companies, considering costs and specialized equipment needs. Develop detailed procedures for when, where, and how snow will be cleared. Designate priority areas like main entrances and high-traffic zones for clearing first. Outline contingency plans for extreme weather events or equipment failure, such as establishing emergency snow removal contracts. Set measurable triggers for acceptable snowfall amounts before clearing begins, often 1-2 inches. Create a schedule for monitoring weather forecasts and deploying staff to begin post-storm snow clearing. Having set timelines is key. Finally, have a communication plan to inform tenants about removal schedules and timeframes. Following these steps will produce a customized snow removal plan tailored to your property’s unique layout and needs.

Additional Winter Safety Strategies

An important component of any snow removal plan is effective de-icing for slippery surfaces. Research and select ice-melting products that are effective at melting snow and ice but also eco-friendly. Sodium chloride rock salt is inexpensive but can damage concrete and metal over time. Consider alternatives like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or potassium chloride which are less corrosive. Match the ice melt product to the surface type, choosing a concrete-safe option for sidewalks. Use signage and colored ice melt products to increase the visibility of slick areas as an extra safety precaution. Install commercial-grade walk-off mats at entrances to limit tracked-in moisture. Have staff frequently check and clean these mats once placed. Consider installing permanent traction aids on steps, ramps, and other high-risk areas. Abrasive additives like sand or grit can be combined with liquid de-icers and spread to create a grip. Apply these products proactively before an expected storm. Having the proper ice-melting tools for the surface types on your property will maximize safety and minimize any damage to exterior hardscapes. Traction aids and visible signage further improve winter slip-and-fall prevention.

Following Up and Improving for Next Year

Beyond a well-planned snow removal program, facilities managers can employ additional strategies to enhance safety during winter. Install adequate lighting around the property, especially in parking lots and along sidewalks, to improve nighttime visibility. Trim trees and shrubbery so falling limbs don’t become a hazard. Address any exterior leakages or areas with roof runoff that could create icy patches when temperatures drop. Proactively clear out and manage gutters, drains, and catch basins before winter to allow for proper drainage and prevent flooding issues. Provide maintenance staff training on ergonomic shoveling techniques like bending knees and keeping back straight to prevent injury when manually clearing snow. Managers should also ensure proper winter footwear, safety gear, and cold weather accommodations for staff working extended hours outdoors. Implementing preventative facility maintenance, lighting improvements, and employee safety training are key supplemental components to integrate into your overall winter preparation and risk management plan. Taking a proactive approach to both property maintenance and human factors will help minimize hazards during harsh winter conditions.

An important final step for commercial property managers is reviewing results after winter concludes and identifying areas for improvement. Evaluate overall effectiveness by soliciting tenant feedback on the snow removal program’s timeliness and quality. Review any accident or injury reports that occurred on the property related to slippery conditions, and research new preventative measures as warranted. Assess whether snow clearing schedules and priority areas functioned optimally or need adjustment. Gauge how accurately weather conditions were predicted and if the response time from maintenance teams met expectations. Determine if any new equipment, products, or professional contractors need to be brought on board next winter season. Update emergency protocols for severe weather situations based on experience. Continuously improving the snow removal plan ensures next year’s efforts will be even more efficient, thorough, and responsive. An effective winter maintenance program requires a cycle of planning, implementation, evaluation, and adjustment based on real-world outcomes. With careful follow-up after each winter, commercial facilities can continue enhancing safety, improving tenant satisfaction, and streamlining operations.

Conclusion

In summary, implementing a proactive snow and ice management plan is essential for commercial properties to maintain safety and access during winter. Key steps include assessing the property, acquiring proper equipment, establishing efficient clearing procedures, using the right ice melt products, and installing traction aids. Training staff and improving lighting, drainage, and landscaping also minimize hazards. Following each winter with evaluations and enhancements ensures efforts improve over time. While no plan controls the weather, strategic preparation mitigates risks. Prioritizing winter readiness demonstrates excellence in property management and service. With customized, vigilant snow removal protocols, managers can provide safe, responsive access despite harsh conditions.