Tips on how a snow removal contractor can prep for a job site

Before your snow removal season starts, it's a good practice to visit each site to help avoid headaches and unexpected situations. Review the contract and specifications to help clarify customer expectations so employees understand what must be done. Below are some suggestions for these processes.

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

Job-site visits

Take photos of each customer's property, including any existing damage.
Map out site hazards and provide to drivers for reference (e.g., lawn sprinklers, downspouts, curbs, driveway aprons, parking meters/pay stations, signs, parking stops, dumpsters, grassy areas, loading docks, ramps, EV charging stations, speed bumps, train tracks).
Note the location of any surveillance cameras in case footage is needed after an incident.
Identify and document site-specific needs, such as:
- Best equipment for the site
- Ideal skill level of operator assigned to the site
- Suitable equipment storage location
- Proper locations for snow piles, making sure they do not block driver views or create melt and refreeze hazards
- Stakes, signs, or other physical markers

Customer files

Each customer file should include but not be limited to:

Contracts, hold harmless agreements, and customer agreements.
- Define who is responsible for doing what, where, when, and how.
- Documents should be appropriately reviewed by legal counsel.
Pre-season site inspection information and site-specific requests.
Incident investigations and records.
Complaint logs.
Proof-of-service logs and job photos.

Subcontractor files

Consider prequalifying your subcontractors. There are a lot of consequences that can arise if you hire the wrong one. Once you’ve selected your subcontractor, make sure proper documents are on file. Please consult with your legal counsel and refer to the following Acuity resources for more information.