Snow and Ice Management for Businesses: Preventing Liability

When winter hits, snow and ice can turn a beautiful landscape to a hazard for business very quickly. For business owners, making sure that walkways, parking lots, and entryways are clear of snow and ice isn’t just about convenience, it’s about safety and protecting your business from liability.

In this blog post, we’ll talk about why commercial snow and ice removal is essential for your business, and share some best practices to help prevent accidents and avoid legal trouble.

Why Commercial Snow Removal Matters

1. Customer Safety: Every winter, slips and falls due to snow and ice cause injuries that can be serious. Especially in high-traffic areas like store entrances or parking lots. If a customer slips and hurts themselves on your property, you could be held liable for medical bills or other expenses. Having a solid snow and ice management plan helps reduce these risks.
2. Employee Safety: Your staff is just as important as your customers, and their safety matters too. Ensure they can safely get to work and move around your property without fear of falling or getting hurt. Slips, trips, and falls can also result in worker compensation claims, which could be costly for your business.
3. Legal Responsibilities: In many places, businesses are legally required to remove snow and ice from sidewalks and other public access areas. If you don’t, you could face fines, lawsuits, or insurance claims. By using professional snow removal services, you can avoid the headaches that come with legal action.

Best Practices for Commercial Snow Removal

We use these methods to make sure you can avoid any of the mentioned problems above. Here are some of the many reasons to choose Royalty for your snow removal this winter.

1. Shovel and Plow Early and Often: When it comes to snow removal, the sooner, the better. Snow that’s allowed to pile up can become compacted, turning into ice that’s difficult to remove. We make sure to shovel or plow early to keep snow from building up, and continue to do so throughout a storm. The more often you clear the snow, the less you have to worry about later.
2. De-Icing Products: Salt is a common de-icing agent that can help melt snow and ice, but there are other options too, such as sand, gravel, and non-toxic ice melt. Salt can be harmful to your landscaping and the environment, so consider using alternative de-icing products or a combination that suits your property’s needs. We apply de-icer before the snow sticks to the ground, and make sure to use the right kind for you.
3. Focus on High-Traffic Areas: Royalty prioritizes the areas that people use the most. For customers, this means clearing sidewalks, parking lot entrances, and areas near doorways. For employees, it’s walkways to and from employee entrances and parking lots. These are the places where slips and falls are most likely to happen, so our team makes sure to give these areas special attention.
4. Post-Snowstorm Cleanup: After a heavy snowstorm, you’ll need to go beyond just shoveling or plowing. We’ll be sure to check for ice patches that might have formed, especially in shaded areas or spots where snow has been compacted. We’ll clear these areas or apply additional de-icer to prevent any accidents.
5. Regular Inspections: Even if you’re not experiencing a snowstorm, you should consider regularly inspecting your property for icy patches, especially after cold nights. The weather can change quickly, and ice may form even when there’s no visible snow. We want to address hazards before they become a problem.
6. Why Use Professional Services: If snow removal isn’t something you can manage on your own, there’s value in hiring a professional snow removal service. We want to be your go to snow removal team so we can ensure your property is cleared safely and efficiently. 

Conclusion

Snow and ice can be a business owner’s nightmare if not managed properly. However, with a little preparation and attention to detail, you can minimize the risk of accidents, avoid legal issues, and keep your business running smoothly throughout the winter months. Remember, it’s not just about clearing snow, it’s about creating a safe, welcoming space for your customers and employees.

Reach out to us today so we can talk about a commercial snow removal plan for you!