The National Oceanic Atmospheric Association declared that we are supposed to have warmer and wetter winter this year. This means less snow but more sleet and freezing rain. This also means contractors who offer ice control as a service are going to be busy. An active winter can mean a lot of money for snow and ice contractors so here are some tips on how to get your snow and ice control crew prepped for winter.
How to Get Your Snow and Ice Control Crew Prepped for Winter
- Make sure your employees are properly trained in their techniques. Training should include proper snow stacking, proper ice melt applications, and safety for handling wet and heavy snow. This will save you time and money in the long run and it will also keep employees free from accidents.
- With winter comes flu season. To make sure your employees are well and healthy, encourage them to get a flu shot. You can even set up a flu clinic at your company’s physical location. The flu shot will prevent employees from catching the flu and spreading the virus. A crew that is infected with flu will likely have to take time off which will decrease your manpower.
- Make sure employees are aware of the dangers of sleep deprivation. A long blizzard and ice storm can last for hours so offer employees some coffee shop gift cards as well as a check-in system to make sure they aren’t getting too tired behind the wheel.
- Stock all of your plow and spreader trucks with an emergency kit for drivers. Accidents can happen to even the most experienced driver so make sure they have a mobile phone, extra gloves, a shovel, sand, food, and water. It is not a bad idea to even offer a roadside assistance service such as a Triple A.
- It’s a good idea to also check and make sure you have enough product on hand before the storms hit. Purchasing ice melt ahead of time will save time over the winter. Check that employees have the proper amount in their spreaders before they head out. Having to return for refills wastes time and money
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