BLOG NUMBER 5.86
When it comes to snow removal, there’s no room for mistakes. Improper snow removal creates more problems than it solves, and it could end up costing your business. Unsafe sidewalks increase the risk of injuries, which could lead to lawsuits. Snow pileup can lead to a direct decrease in sales. For a safe and successful winter season, follow these do’s and don’ts of snow removal.
Don’t Skip the Back Door
When creating a snow removal plan, you may be tempted to focus on the most obvious problem areas, such as the parking lot and front door, foregoing snow removal in other areas. Don’t skip side doors or lightly used sidewalks. Even if these areas are only occasionally used, an accident could happen if they’re not maintained during the winter. Furthermore, customers are more likely to patronize a fully accessible building. If you ignore built-up snow in some areas, customers are bound to notice, and those who don’t notice might injure themselves. Cover all your bases, even if you don’t expect much foot traffic in certain areas.
Don’t Expect the City to Plow For You
Oftentimes, private homeowners and business owners forego snow removal on public sidewalks, expecting the city to take care of these areas. Unfortunately, many cities have policies that make private property owners responsible for their own ice and snow removal. This makes sidewalks one of those commonly skipped areas mentioned above–owners might shovel the walk to their door, ignoring the surrounding sidewalk. If a patron or even a passerby is injured in this area, the owner could still be liable. It’s best to play it safe and do as much as you can on your own. If you’re lucky, the city will handle the street for you. A snow removal consulting expert can help you understand the snow removal policies in your area, taking the guesswork out of your shoveling routine.
Don’t Use the Wrong Equipment
Sometimes, a single shovel just won’t cut it. Bigger snowstorms require bigger equipment, and attempting to shovel an entire driveway by yourself can be both hazardous and exhausting. On a similar note, plowing around your business without also using salt in icy areas can increase the risk of injury. Choosing the right piece (or pieces) of equipment can be difficult for non-experts, so it’s important to do your research. If the amount of snow around your business looks like too much work for one man, it probably is. A consultant can help you choose the right equipment for the job.
Do Call a Snow Removal Consulting Expert
The best way to avoid these common snow removal mistakes is to hire a snow plowing consulting expert. An expert can make the snow removal process more efficient, recommending equipment and indicating important areas to plow. Improper snow removal is not only inconvenient, but also costly and dangerous. You’ll save money in the long run if you plow properly the first time. Don’t wait until it’s too late–get a consultant’s advice before winter storms hit. Contact the Snow Removal Consulting Expert.
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