Snow and ice pose a challenge for most workplaces, but the impact of that weather depends a lot on geography and how accustomed you are with cold weather. For those that only get occasional winter weather, a single snowfall or cold snap could lead to interruptions of work and service that directly impact the company’s bottom line. If you live somewhere that cold weather is virtually guaranteed, then having a set plan for coping with snow days and attendance helps you keep things moving, even when it gets nasty outside.
The most important thing you can do to ensure your team is prepared for snow—and that you don't lose too many days to bad winter weather—is to make a plan. You can list your supplies and immediately spot things you need to purchase or restock, as well as assign jobs so there is no confusion over who is responsible for which task. If you do not have a plan, you risk workers taking the DIY approach, which could be accompanied by injuries, or simply opting out of the process and staying home. Your priorities will vary, but in general, making sure the walkways and paths leading to your doors are clean and ice-free should be a priority.
Your parking area should also be kept as snow-free as possible to prevent both falls and accidents as cars and people attempt to travel in and around the parking lot. Once the snowy season arrives, creating a dedicated spot for your supplies and equipment in an easily accessible location makes it easy for everyone to get started. Someone who has to look for a shovel in a crowded workshed or attic is not going to be able to clear your walkways very quickly or easily. Make things as simple as possible and your team will be more likely to come to work and handle snow-related tasks.
Workplace Supplies to Have on Hand
Whether you're a seasoned Northerner expecting a blizzard or a company in the south who may see a few flurries, having the following items on hand will make it easier for your team to arrive and work safely.
Rock Salt
Public works departments use mountains of it to keep roads from freezing over—and you can too. Using salt on your walkways prevents the snow and slush from freezing and lessens the risk of falls. Both your team and customers will appreciate being able to make the trip from your parking area to your facility safely.
Snow Shovels
Have a few on hand for immediate cleanup, even if you have a plow that copes with the entire parking lot area. Cleaning up and preventing accumulation keeps your walkways and sidewalks safe for everyone. Having more than one shovel lets your team work in pairs and ensures your building is free of snow and ice.
Ice Sidewalk Scraper
If it snows while you are open and working, you can salt and shovel right away—but what if you arrive to a pristine winter wonderland, complete with icy walkways and sidewalks? A scraper style shovel designed specifically for iced over sidewalks will help you power through the job in a fraction of the time a plain shovel would. By this point, a plow or snowblower won’t help, as they would just run over the ice; you need a shovel equipped with a scraper to get the job done.
When your team knows that the office and surrounding areas will be safe and easy to traverse, you’ll be more likely to get the attendance rates you want, even on wintery days. By creating a well thought out policy and arming your team with the supplies they need to succeed, you can make a safe environment for all and prevent unwanted slowdowns or stoppages at work, too.
