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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/182361
the many forms of education that is available to stay abreast of the industry. Risk managers in the snow industry are professionals who take their jobs keeping the public safe seriously. Slip and falls This evolutionary change has been necessary, due, in part, to the litigious society in which we live. There was a time when if an individual slipped and fell on some ice, they looked around in embarrassment to make sure nobody saw them. They stood up, wiped themselves off, and went on with their day.Today, the embarrassment is gone, and although they still look around to see if someone saw them, it is because they want a witness to their fall. They no longer scold themselves for not wearing their boots, but instead see dollar signs flash before their eyes as they consider how much this slip and fall might rake in. Our legal system is there for those that are genuinely hurt because of negligence, but, unfortunately, the number of frivolous law suits has been on the rise. So much so that the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act was recently re-introduced to Congress after it failed to leave the subcommittee during their previous session. In an effort to get this law passed, the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) rallied in Washington in late July. Thirty professional snow and ice management contractors met with House representatives to discuss the impact of these frivolous lawsuits on the snow and ice management industry. These individuals represented the entire industry that day. Only time will tell how big their efforts will pay off. Looking ahead ASCA has introduced industry standards, and used those standards to bring ISO Certification to the snow and ice management industry. Although it is still very much in its infancy, the true professionals in this industry will pursue this certification, thus pushing themselves to even higher standards. Eventually, property owners and managers will begin to demand their snow and ice management contractors are certified in some fashion, whether it is through the SIMA CSP program, the ASCA accreditation, or the ISO Certification. Property owners and managers want professionals, they want Legislative day meeting. risk managers, and soon they will realize they can make a difference in this industry simply by holding their snow and ice management contractor to high standards. The founders of SIMA, sitting in that basement back in 1996, may not have considered themselves "risk managers;" they may not have thought about meeting with House representatives; and they may not have realized the impact they would have on this industry — but they were risk managers.Their efforts brought about changes that have had a big impact on the industry. Just like the founders of SIMA, those ASCA members who recently visited Washington, D.C., met with House representatives, and pushed for legislative reform, are industry leaders. Their vision of a better tomorrow is pushing them to become involved today. Change does not occur overnight — often it takes years. And the biggest changes are yet to come. As Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." LI Formerly the executive director of the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) from 1996-2006,Tammy Johnson, MBA, CAE, is the executive director of the Snowfighters Institute, located in Erie, PA. She can be reached at 814-455-1991 or via e-mail at Tammy@snowfighters institute.com. Snow Removal and Ice Management Equipment Ariens Path-Pro single-stage snow thrower Ariens Company introduced the new Path-Pro single-stage snow thrower that is lightweight, compact and maneuverable, with an entry price of $399. The new model is small in size but designed to be durable enough for heavyweight use by professional snow removal crews. The Path-Pro models feature a 21-inch clearing width and Ariens AX engines in 136cc or 208cc displacement options. The Path-Pro cleans down to the pavement, and delivers a throwing distance of up to 35 feet. A chute rotation option allows the operator to direct snow left or right while in use. The new Path-Pro is the smallest snow thrower built by Ariens. Ariens offers more than 20 models of snow throwers available for every type of use. Other heavy-duty features include a foldable, ergonomic handle; commercial-duty housing that cuts through packed snow; reinforced rubber augers; and a protective guard to shield critical engine components. Bobcat snowblower attachment Blow snow off driveways and parking lots, even tight spaces like sidewalks with the Bobcat snowblower attachment. Chute rotation is achieved by a chain and sprocket system that eliminates loose, tangled and frozen cables. By adjusting the deflector up or down, the chute points snow in almost any direction and throws snow wherever the operator wants it to be placed. Whatever the conditions — deep snow banks, hard, compacted snow or heavy snowfall — the snowblower attachment is the ultimate workhorse of snow removal. www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation 21