Winter brings unique challenges for businesses, from icy walkways to snow-covered parking lots. Without a solid commercial snow removal plan, companies risk accidents, property damage, and lost productivity.
An effective plan can keep your business safe, functional, and ready for winter’s worst. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure your business is fully prepared with the right equipment, from plow trucks to skid steers.
Key Takeaways
- A commercial snow removal plan ensures safety, reduces risks, and keeps your business accessible.
- Essential equipment like plow trucks and skid steers handle large-scale snow and ice removal for commercial properties.
- Assess key areas like parking lots and entryways to create a tailored removal strategy.
- Maintain a removal schedule based on weather forecasts for safe conditions and operational continuity.
- Apply salt or de-icers in high-traffic areas to prevent slips and falls.
- Inform employees and clients of removal schedules to minimize disruptions.
- Partnering with a reputable company like Roberts Property Management can enhance your plan with reliable services and equipment.
What is a Commercial Snow Removal Plan?
A commercial snow removal plan is a proactive strategy designed to handle snow and ice management for businesses. This plan includes everything from snow clearing schedules to safety protocols for walkways, parking lots, and entrances, ensuring customer and employee safety.
By establishing a plan in advance, businesses can minimize downtime and avoid disruptions during winter storms, which is critical for clients across various commercial properties.
Why is a Commercial Snow Removal Plan Important?
An organized snow removal plan can make a critical difference in a business’s winter operations. Each year, approximately 80% of slip-and-fall accidents happen in parking lots and on sidewalks during icy or snowy weather, often due to insufficient snow removal equipment or services.
Such incidents can lead to costly liabilities for businesses, not to mention the negative impact on customer and employee satisfaction.
Here’s why a structured plan that includes proper plowing with heavy-duty equipment like skid steers and plow trucks matters:
- Reduces Liability: Slip-and-fall accidents can result in lawsuits, especially if areas aren’t properly maintained.
- Prevents Operational Downtime: Unchecked snow and ice can block access points, hindering business operations.
- Protects Property: Accumulated snow can damage sidewalks, parking lots, and landscaping if left unattended.
- Ensures Customer and Employee Safety: Clear paths and accessible parking make your property safer for everyone.
Steps to Create a Corporate Snow Removal Plan
Establishing a clear, actionable snow removal plan helps ensure your business is prepared to handle winter conditions efficiently.
Follow these essential steps to build a customized plan that keeps your business safe and accessible, no matter how severe the winter weather gets.
Step 1: Assess Your Property’s Needs
Every commercial property has unique snow removal requirements. Identify key areas like parking lots, entryways, loading docks, and sidewalks where snow and ice could accumulate.
Consider the size and layout of your property, as these factors will influence equipment needs, such as plow trucks and skid steers, and labor allocation.
Step 2: Set Up a Snow and Ice Removal Schedule
A consistent schedule is essential for maintaining safe conditions during winter storms. Base your schedule on weather forecasts and typical snow patterns in your area.
Plan for frequent clearing during heavy snowfalls and additional treatments during icy conditions, ensuring driveways and entryways remain accessible.
Step 3: Identify Equipment and Resources
Determine what snow removal equipment your team will need, from plow trucks to salt spreaders and snow blowers.
Consider renting specialized machinery if purchasing is impractical. Additionally, ensure you have designated storage areas for snow piles to keep paths clear and avoid obstructing parking spaces or loading zones on your property.
Step 4: Hire or Train Snow Removal Personnel
Decide whether you’ll handle snow removal in-house or hire a professional service. If you choose in-house, ensure your team receives proper training on snow removal safety, equipment use, and de-icing procedures.
For outsourced snow removal, choose a reputable company like Roberts Property Management with a strong background in clearing commercial properties.
Step 5: Plan for De-Icing and Salt Application
De-icing is essential for preventing slips and falls on icy surfaces. Develop a plan for applying salt or alternative de-icing agents on walkways, stairs, and high-traffic areas.
Some products may be better suited to specific surfaces, so consult a provider to choose the right one for your property.
Step 6: Establish a Communication Plan
Notify employees and clients when snow removal will occur, and provide instructions for alternate entrances or parking if needed. Clear communication helps reduce disruptions and ensures everyone understands the safety measures in place.
Tips for Your Snow Removal Plan
Creating a commercial snow removal plan is just the first step. To ensure your plan is effective and sustainable throughout the winter, it’s essential to follow best practices.
Here are some key tips and reminders that can help you maintain safety and efficiency, keeping your business well-prepared for any weather:
- Monitor Weather Forecasts: Stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can adjust your plan for impending snowstorms.
- Set Safety Protocols: Include guidelines for snow-clearing personnel, such as wearing reflective clothing and using proper equipment.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Confirm that your insurance policy covers winter hazards to protect your business from potential liability.
- Maintain Documentation: Record all snow removal activities, including dates and areas cleared, to support potential liability claims and to evaluate your plan’s effectiveness.
- Consider an Annual Review: At the end of each winter season, review your snow removal plan. Make adjustments based on any issues or improvements noted throughout the season.
Get Expert Help Today!
If you’re looking for professional assistance with driveway clearing or large-scale commercial snow plowing, consider partnering with Roberts Property Management.
Whether it’s clearing a large commercial property in West Hartford and East Hartford to a smaller driveway in Thomaston, their expert services and snow removal equipment, including plow trucks and skid steers, ensure your business is ready for the season.
Prepare your business for winter with a commercial snow removal plan tailored to your property. Contact Roberts Property Management today to learn more about our snow removal services and ensure your business is ready for the season!
Final Thoughts
A well-organized snow removal plan is essential for keeping your business safe, accessible, and operational during the winter months. By following these steps, business owners can create a customized plan that addresses their property’s unique needs, minimizes risks, and protects both employees and customers.
