Winter Weather Tips: Snow & Ice Removal

Winter is upon us, which means it's time to bundle up and clear your parking lots and walkways of snow and ice! Slips and falls from snow- and ice-covered walkways are a common cause of injuries during the winter months. To reduce the risk of slip and fall exposures with snow and ice, your organization should develop and follow formal procedures for snow removal.

 

When do snow and ice need to be removed?

Your organization's Safety & Security Team should designate someone to monitor snow and ice conditions and to coordinate snow removal operations. During the winter months when snow and ice may be a concerns, your team should monitor weather reports daily. Snow removal should occur when one inch or more of snow has fallen or if any ice conditions are present. 

 

Who should perform snow removal?

Your organization may have several options when choosing who will perform snow and ice removal:

• Employees
• Volunteers
• Outside contractor(s)
• A combination of any of the above

If you choose to use a contractor in any capacity, you'll want to ensure the following:

• The contractor can handle their total workload and fulfill their responsibilities.
• The contractor has the appropriate equipment required to adequately provide snow removal.
• The contractor has provided you with a certificate of insurance that names your organization as an additional insured under the contractor’s insurance policy.
• A written contract is used with a hold harmless/indemnification clause included.
• The areas of the organization/facility the contractor is responsible for are documented.
• The contractor has guidelines as to a maximum timeframe in which to complete the snow removal or a minimum amount of snow accumulation which the contractor is responsible for (e.g., removal will need to be completed within two hours after the precipitation has ended if accumulation is greater than one inch).

You will want to ensure that employees and volunteers are provided snow and ice removal training if their jobs will be impacted by the procedures outlined in your organization’s policy on the removal of snow and ice.

 

What is needed for snow removal?

You will need the following snow removal equipment readily available, even if you have hired a contractor:

• Shovels
• Ice melt
• Snow blowers
• Traffic cones/signs
• Reflective jackets and hats

These items may be needed in an emergency and should be reviewed regularly to ensure they're in good condition.

 

How should snow removal be performed?

You should remove all snow from parking lots and walkways when accumulation of one inch or more is present. Additionally, you should prevent slip and fall risks by taking these steps:

• Apply de-icing products to walkways in front of entrances.
• Remove all snow and ice from the most heavily-used walkways.
• Look for potential ice conditions on walking surfaces from runoff from roofs, downspouts and other areas.
• Install signs or rope off problem areas where a slip hazard is present and cannot be removed.
• Do not redirect foot traffic to another slip and fall hazard if a problem area is roped off (e.g., re-routing the sidewalk and requiring the user to step off the curb into the parking lot).
• Place mats inside entrances.

You should consider adopting the use of a log to document the steps taken to remove snow and ice on your property if it will be used consistently. A log can be a good defense to claims that your organization was negligent in snow or ice removal.

 

Why should you take the above steps?

Your organization is responsible for the safety of the premises. Following your safety and security procedures promotes safety for your organization's employees, members and guests.