When considering all the aspects of a snow plow and how it functions, you can come across some unusual terms. If you’re new to the snow & ice removal industry these terms could result in questions like: “What’s the difference between a solenoid and a manifold? “, “Snowplows can float?” and “what does a pigtail have to do with a snow plow anyway?” To clear up some confusion and for your future reference, keep this snow plow parts glossary of terms handy.  While some of the termimology is specific to BOSS Snowplows many of the terms are common across all snow plow brands.

When the snow just won’t stop, the time spent plowing really adds up. With hazards like poor visibility, nearby pedestrians or poor traction, ergonomics may not be the first thing that comes to mind when talking snow removal safety with your team. However, can you afford to lose one of your employees for 12 days? This was the average number of days lost from work due to ergonomic-related injuries in 2012. Among all occupational injuries, back injuries generate the highest frequency of disabling injuries. In fact, 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some time in their life. Plus, a person that has injured his back once is four times more likely to reinjure it. By ignoring ergonomics in your business, you ignore one of the most common causes of occupational injuries.

As 2013 draws to a close, we took a look at the past year and the blog articles that have been developed and posted on THE BOSS SNOWPLOW blog page.  Here is a summary of the top five blog posts of 2013.

When your snowplow comes off the truck at the end of the season, it’s not always ideal to have it stationary. Sometimes where it’s first placed isn’t where it ends up staying and it can be a lot of work to move it elsewhere. To combat this problem, BOSS is pleased to announce the release of our newest accessory: a Plow Caster “Dolly” Wheel Kit. This kit is ideal for Homeowners, Contractors and Dealers alike for moving plows around the garage, service bay, or showroom floor. Two separate kits are available for straight and V-blades*. Check out how to install them below:

*By Doug Freer, CSP.  Doug owns Blue Moose Snow Co. in Cleveland. 

Your company has specific responsibilities as it relates to your employees’ health, safety and well-being. Providing necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) is one such responsibility.  

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has minimum PPE requirements that employers must provide to employees at no expense to them. Similar state agencies may also have requirements. While there is some ambiguity in OSHA regulations as they relate specifically to the snow & ice management industry (See story on Page 48), at a minimum, a company needs to ensure it does not place its employees knowingly into an unsafe working environment. Now is the time to review your policies and make any appropriate changes to your program.

ATV and UTV equipment has emerged as an efficient and effective means of snow removal for many snow contractors. Whether it is the clearing of a trail system, city sidewalk or residential path, the use of ATV and UTV equipment has become a popular tool in the snow removal toolbox. With any piece of equipment, operator safety needs to be of paramount concern and this is certainly the case with the operation of ATV and UTV equipment. 

When you send someone out to plow with an ATV or UTV, have you explained the risks of the job to them? Have you taken steps to help them avoid an injury? Before sending your snow removal crew out this winter, address the ATV & UTV equipment risks with them and properly prepare the equipment for snow removal use.