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.
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