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Tips on how to select which businesses to work with as a snow removal contractor

It's important to be very selective and consider the risk factors that each business could have. For example, plowing for an airport has huge risk, while plowing for a local big box store might be OK. However, you must look at the specific expectations to really know. Before you start your plowing season, consider using a risk matrix to help evaluate and select the right accounts
November 2, 2023 | Business
By: Leslie S.
Leslie Stoll is a Staff Loss Control Consultant. Leslie joined the Acuity team in January 2020. She is well versed on assessing risk exposures to help identify, evaluate, and control risk with practical solutions and recommendations. Leslie is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), holds the Associates in Risk Management designation (ARM) from the Insurance Institute of America, and is a graduate of Illinois State University’s Safety Program. Leslie began her career working in private industry (manufacturing) and later transitioned into the insurance industry. Outside of her career, Leslie uses her knowledge of safety and risk assessment to teach women’s self-defense classes at her family’s martial arts school.
Loss Control Consultant

How selective are you in picking your snow removal accounts for the season? 

 

It's important to be very selective and consider the risk factors that each business could have. For example, plowing for an airport has huge risk, while plowing for a local big box store might be OK. However, you must look at the specific expectations to really know. Before you start your plowing season, consider using a risk matrix to help evaluate and select the right accounts.

 

Let’s explore the job of plowing for a big box store in more detail:

 

Potential hazard: Striking a pedestrian

Analysis: Severity = Catastrophic

Likelihood = Rare, very unlikely

Decision: Accept the risk with controls

Control: Stop plowing when pedestrian is present

 

Potential hazard: Pedestrian slips and falls

Analysis: Severity = Moderate  

Likelihood = Possible but not common

Decision: Accept the risk with controls

Control: Conduct snow clearing skill evaluation; make sure risk transfer is in place

 

Potential hazard: Damage to wheel stops

Analysis: Severity = Minor

Likelihood = Likely has happened before

Decision: Accept the risk with controls

Control: Conduct snow clearing skill evaluation; map wheel stop locations

 

Potential hazard: Damage to shopping carts

Analysis: Severity = Negligible 

Likelihood = Likely has happened before

Decision: Accept the risk with controls

Control: Require carts be moved into corrals before plowing; map corral locations

 

In the sample matrix below, risk ranges from negligible (green) to catastrophic (red). The more jobs in the green, the better chance of having a successful season. High-risk customers could mean a higher risk for an unprofitable season. Even small incidents can add up quickly, so be sure to thoroughly evaluate the job before agreeing to the work. 

 

 

For more information, check out our blog on how a risk management program can help your business and contact your Acuity Loss Control Representative.

 

Check out these other blogs to ensure you are set-up for success this winter season: tips for preparing for the season and tips on prepping a jobsite.

By: Leslie S.
Leslie Stoll is a Staff Loss Control Consultant. Leslie joined the Acuity team in January 2020. She is well versed on assessing risk exposures to help identify, evaluate, and control risk with practical solutions and recommendations. Leslie is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP), holds the Associates in Risk Management designation (ARM) from the Insurance Institute of America, and is a graduate of Illinois State University’s Safety Program. Leslie began her career working in private industry (manufacturing) and later transitioned into the insurance industry. Outside of her career, Leslie uses her knowledge of safety and risk assessment to teach women’s self-defense classes at her family’s martial arts school.
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