For many people, winter just kind of happens. Though they had every intention of preparing better during warmer weather, it just never seems urgent until they’re slammed with another heavy-duty Chicago winter. They realize they’re just lucky the ice scraper got stuck in the back corner of their trunk behind some toys and luggage, or they never would have known where to find it.
However, if you have a business, you can’t afford for Chicago winters to, "happen to you." You have to make sure to maintain the proper staff and visitor safety protocols, along with planning for professional snow removal. Fortunately, even though it’s easy to forget to prepare for winters in due season, it’s actually not that hard to do. You just have to remember to do it.
Step One: Know When the Storms are Coming
Sign up for Chicago Extreme Weather Alerts, so that you can:
- Start making office plans for days off or delayed work days;
- Make sure you’ve trained your entire staff, (including new hires), on the safety measures you want them to take, and
- Have all the signs you will need to post around the office.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, (NOAA), also offers up to date weather information for every state in the US. In addition, you can enjoy a quick loading, ad-free weather website for once!
Step Two: Prepare Staff
As an employer and business manager or owner, you are legally obligated to offer staff and visitors an environment that has no recognized safety hazards. Winter weather can cause issues that are just as dangerous as a loose floor boards or broken elevators. However, your employees and visitors have a part to play in their own safety. Therefore, you should clearly let them know what you expect from them.
- If they are to enter using a certain entrance, use certain offices, etc.; you should put up large signs telling them.
- Distribute a handout that tells them how to dress properly for the weather and what protective clothing you expect them to wear.
- Distribute handouts telling employees what you feel are safe work practices during a major storm. Should they wait for a cancellation or delay text before leaving home for work? Should security walk them out to their cars?
- Train your staff on self-monitoring, co-worker monitoring, first aid and emergency response for winter weather issues.
- Consider holding a cold weather seminar or presentation every year, or playing a video when you hire new staff; so that you reduce your risk when it comes to liability. (An employee can’t sue you for not properly warming the office if she’s been informed that you keep the temperature at 75 degrees; and you’ve asked all staff to wear long sleeves after October 1st; yet she continues to wear tank tops). When you present your position up front, you leave very little room for liability issues.
- Lastly, don’t lock doors until all staff has left. People need to be able to wait safely in a warm area for rides and safe travel directions etc. This could mean leaving your office or lobby open well into the evening.
Step Three: Plan for Effective Snow and Ice Removal
It’s important to decide who you’re going to call to remove dangerous snow and ice conditions from your parking lots, sidewalks, driveways, garages and other outdoor areas. Trying to figure out who to call and who does thorough work at the last minute is a nightmare. Make sure you ask the right questions to hire the very best snow removal contractor.
If you want to talk to a commercial snow contractor that really knows how to prepare for and manage the worst storms, contact us at Brancato Snow Removal, we have been providing thorough and professional snow and ice removal for Chicago businesses for many years. We know how to make your outdoor surfaces safe and lower your risk, so you can rest easy.