Winter is coming, and with that, so are icy sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways. As a business owner, it is crucial to be prepared for this weather. Not being prepared means risking the safety of employees, customers, and visitors on your property in addition to giving your company a bad reputation. Now is the time to winterproof your property and prevent slips, trips, and falls during those cold months. Here are 4 tips for reducing liability and optimizing safety.
1. Plan for Snow and Ice
One of the most important things to do in winter months is planning ahead for weather-related events. Without a plan in place, you could end up dealing with serious accidents on your property or having to close your business until you manage to clear up the snow and ice.
One of the best ways to deal with the snow is through hiring snow and ice management services before the season starts. Consider a provider that can offer the proper equipment, manpower, and weather monitoring technology to be there when needed during snow and ice events. This gives you the assurance that your property will be cleared in time for business hours while ensuring you that your walkways and parking lots will not be damaged by the use of shoddy equipment.
2. Fix Damaged Walkways
High-traffic areas are prone to wear-and-tear, and that can lead to trips and falls for pedestrians. Keep your customers safe by maintaining those walkways with regular cleaning, and annual sealing to protect the surface. If the surface is already damaged, make the necessary repairs now before it becomes too chilly to do so.
3. Deal with Overgrown Plants
Winter is an optimal time to prune plants and trees, a vital chore for making sure lines of sight are clear. Overgrown trees and shrubs can impede drivers’ views creating a traffic hazard. In addition, tree branches that extend into walkways can lead to trips. So, before the weather gets bad, take this time for a little tree and shrub care by pruning back brush and limbs to ensure your customers’ safety this winter.
4. Improve Lighting
With poor lighting, even a clean, flat surface can pose a hazard to pedestrians at night. In addition, some people avoid dark retail areas due to safety concerns. Put in proper lighting to along walkways enhance visibility and safety for your valued customers.
Looking for Snow and Ice Management in the Salt Lake City Area?
At Aeroscape, we have experienced staff ready to assist you with any of your landscaping needs – including snow and ice removal. Call us at (801) 567-2383 or click on our Contact an Expert green arrow on any page of our website to get in touch with us today.