THE SNOWPLOW BLOGGER

 

Snow Plowers Guide for Winter Storm Preparedness

Posted by Emily Forstrom

Feb 7, 2023 12:00:00 PM

Winter Survival Guide

 

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Topics: Safety, Best Practices/ Tips

Eight Snow Plowing Safety Reminders

Posted by Emily Forstrom

Feb 6, 2023 1:30:02 PM

Eight Snowplowing Safety Tips

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Topics: Safety, Best Practices/ Tips

7 Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling

Posted by Katie Schinderle

Jul 28, 2016 8:44:04 AM

Snow shoveling is part of almost every snow contract. Whether it is shoveling steps, keeping the entrance of a doorway free of snow and ice buildup or when clearing a tight area too small for the plow to reach, ensuring your safety is #1 priority. Below are seven tips for Safe Snow Shoveling to keep in mind. 

 

  1. 1. Snow removal often happens in the dark of night. Night traffic doesn’t stop for snow removal crews. In order to ensure safety, consider adding a safety reflector on your shovel. The Snow Plow Snow Pusher BOSS Edition by JM Enterprises, has a reflective strip near the handle of the shovel for increased visibility. Safety vests or jackets are another way to increase visibility and ensure safety. Plan for the Personal Protective Equipment you will need this winter.

 

  1. 2. Long hours spent doing snow removal can take a toll on your body. Proper ergonomics when shoveling can help prevent an injury. Proper ergonomics of shoveling suggest staying on top of the snow. Don’t let too much snow build up before trying to shovel. The sooner you can get out there and shovel the better. Clear the snow every few inches instead of waiting for the snow to build up or stop before you haul your shovels outside. The D-Grip Handle of the Snow Plow Snow Pusher was also designed for a comfortable and ergonomically correct position when shoveling snow. Designed to fit bulky, gloved hands to keep you warm and safe the D-Grip Handle will keep you comfortable and powerful to push through the snow. 

 

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Topics: Safety

Snowplowing Ergonomics

Posted by Jodie Gilroy

Feb 25, 2014 8:22:00 AM

 

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.

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Topics: Safety

The Snow Plowers Guide To Winter Storm Preparedness

Posted by Taylor Peiffer

Jan 8, 2014 11:43:00 AM

As snow removal professionals, we all know the feeling, listening or reading the weather reports and watching the radar screen as the storm clouds draw closer and closer. While residents make preparations for staying in, you are making preparations for going to battle with the latest winter storm. You’ve done everything from checking the bolts on your snowplow to checking your windshield wipers and  the fluid levels in your truck but what happens should you still have a break down or get stuck? Whether this is your first storm hitting the road as a snow removal contractor or your 100th storm, remember that you’re getting ready to go out into dangerous conditions. Prepare for the worst with the following survival items before you face the next storm:

 

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Topics: Safety

7 Reminders For Safe Winter Driving

Posted by Taylor Peiffer

Dec 23, 2013 10:52:00 AM

With winter officially upon us, road conditions in many places have become more hazardous.

And whether you’re the one plowing the roads or commuting from one plow site to the next, we could all use a refresher on some tips for driving safe this winter season. Take a look at these tips from Shift Into Winter:

 

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Topics: Safety

Personal Protective Equipment For Snow Employees

Posted by Jodie Gilroy

Nov 7, 2013 5:05:00 PM

 

*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.

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Topics: Safety

Safety Tips For ATV & UTV Snow Removal Crews

Posted by Jodie Gilroy

Nov 5, 2013 8:45:00 AM

 

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.

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Topics: Safety

How To Reduce Back Injuries While Snow Plowing

Posted by Taylor Peiffer

Jun 25, 2013 7:15:00 AM

When winter arrives, you and your crew are the first to meet it head on. Sometimes that

means hours, if not days behind the wheel. That much time sitting in a truck can leave everyone with sore, aching muscles. Chronic back pain and injuries are common for any profession that requires many hours of prolonged sitting. In the contract snow removal business, drivers can be sitting in their trucks for hours at a time without taking the proper measures to protect their backs. Back injuries can lead to down time, meaning a loss of money for the employer and the employee. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, back pain costs employers 7.4 billion dollars per year in employees ranging from 40 to 65 years old alone.It is not difficult to take preventive measures to prolong the onset of chronic back pain or injuries. All you have to do is keep these recommendations in mind when heading out to tackle the next snow event.

 

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Topics: Safety

Healthy Snack Options For Plow Truck Drivers

Posted by Jodie Gilroy

Feb 21, 2013 11:13:00 AM

 

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Topics: Safety

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