Snow Removal
By Tammy Johnson
Clearing the Way to a Better Future
The evolution of risk management in the snow industry
ack in 1996, when a handful of contractors sat in the basement of John Allin's house and hammered out the details
of what would become the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA), it is easy to surmise none of them had
a clue as to the changes that would occur in the industry
because of what they were doing that weekend. Sure, they
wanted to see some organization come to the industry; they wanted
to put snow plow contractors together so that they could learn from
one another; and they even thought about how the ideas of those
actually using the equipment might help manufacturers meet the
needs of snow and ice management contractors. Even though the
members of this group were obviously forward-thinking contractors, none of them at the time used the words "risk manager" to describe themselves. It is also doubtful they discussed meeting with
state representatives and congressmen and women to discuss frivolous lawsuits. None of them realized the impact that they would
have on this industry.
B
Plow jockey to risk manager
Although we may still hear the term "plow jockey" to describe
a snow contractor, it is no longer the norm, nor is it acceptable in
today's society. Individuals can still buy a plow, throw it on their
pickup truck and hang out their shingle; and that is NOT a bad
thing. However, it doesn't take long for that individual to realize that
there is so much more to being successful in this industry. The industry has grown way beyond the plow jockey moniker. Today's
snow and ice management contractors must stay abreast of ongoing
changes in this ever-changing industry. They must be cognizant of
the liabilities associated with the white industry. Professional snow
and ice management contractors look at each property to ascertain
which areas need special attention in order to help the property
manager/owner to mitigate risk.They must understand the concept
of thaw and refreeze; know where snow should and should not be
piled; have a good understanding of the various chemicals, and when
and how they should be applied; and they must take advantage of
Photos provided by the Snowfighters Institute
Snowfighters Institute training event
20 Landscape and Irrigation October 2013
www.landscapeirrigation.com
