#Workplace Safety
By Team Seaglass
Navigating Winter’s Chill:
A Guide to Effective Winter Weather and Ice Management
As winter transforms the landscape with its frosty touch, it also brings along challenges of ice accumulation, especially in parking lots. Icy parking lots and sidewalks can be hazardous for workers, patients, and guests. In this blog, we’ll explore effective strategies for managing ice and snow at work or at home.
Why Ice and Snow are a Problem
- Ice and snow make sidewalks, steps, parking lots, and roads slippery
- Slips and falls can cause serious injuries
- Snow and ice buildup can damage roofs and buildings
- Winter weather creates slick roadways creating costly vehicle accidents
How Can You Reduce the Risks?
Plan Before Winter Starts
- Create a winter snow and ice plan before bad weather arrives
- Decide, ahead of time, who is responsible for snow and ice removal (in-house staff or subcontracted service?)
- Make sure supplies are ready, such as: salt/sand, snow shovels, snow blowers, etc.
- Prioritize staff parking areas that will be cleared of snow/ice before arriving and use a designated driver to valet staff to the worksite along cleared paths if necessary
- Ensure outdoor lighting is working and bright
Remove Snow and Ice Quickly
- Clear snow as soon as possible to prevent ice from forming
- Remove snow from sidewalks, entrances, driveways, parking lots
- Keep emergency exits and fire routes clear at all times
- Apply salt or sand with spreaders to help melt ice and improve traction
- Limit shoveling to small quantities using an ergonomic-handled shovel. For heavy storms, utilize snow blowers to limit muscle strain
- A note about blowers: Never place hand into blower to remove ice chunks, regardless of power unit operation (remove blower from elements to allow melting before operating again)
Communicating with Employees and Guests
- Consider limiting staff to emergency personnel only to limit the number of staff exposed to winter conditions
- Provide staff with ice-cleats that can be temporarily added to the sole of the shoe for better traction
- Consider having designated, cleared entrances for staff and guests use before others can be cleared
- Cancel travel plans (trips, doctor visits, etc.) until roads are hazard-free (store vans under carports if possible to prevent ice accumulation)
Consistent Maintenance & Documentation
- Maintain an emergency communication network with staff and guests to maintain communication on closings, emergency crew attendance, and designated parking areas
- Regular Monitoring: Continuously monitor parking lots, sidewalks, and entrances for icy patches and promptly address them
- Apply dry matting at exterior and interior of entrances to keep floors dry
- Maintain records of ice management activities and premises inspections. Always hold “After Storm” briefings with your team to analyze successes and opportunities for future improvement
Effective ice/snow management at the workplace is a crucial aspect of maintaining safety and accessibility during the winter season. Careful pre-planning and diligent execution to provide a slip-free workplace can prevent staff injuries, ensure a positive experience for residents/guests, and minimize operational disruptions during these winter months.
