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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/753192
20 November/December 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com SNOW AND ICE MANAGEMENT Carry a well-charged phone and charger or a quick-charge battery attachment to ensure emergency services can be quickly contacted, if needed. Wear the proper harnesses, seatbelts and lap belts, and always drive at safe speeds. The proper speed depends on the terrain, pedestrian traffic and size of the pusher. Pedestrians and vehicular traffic always have the right of way. Cars that try to rush around wheel loaders and skid-steers that push snow sometimes create unsafe circumstances. Because of this, operators need to be extremely aware of their surroundings at all times, especially since it is harder to brake and maneuver with a heavy machine in slippery conditions. When transporting multiple pushers, contractors need to acquire width permits and hire vehicle escorts to lead and follow the trailered pushers. For the carrier equipment, contractors need to get the proper insurance and registration from the state. Taking the right transportation actions saves businesses from future fines and prevents accidents. Additionally, use and bring the appropriate tools for hooking and unhooking the pusher to/from the carrier equipment. And always make sure the pusher is secure before use. Remove ice effectively Each year, ice brings safety and liability concerns — especially since lawsuits for slip-and-fall claims can top a half-million dollars. The pusher's lot-cleaning results go a long way in keeping customers safe and preventing liability issues. Typically, the responsibility for clearing the lot of all snow and ice falls solely on the contractor, making it extra important to properly remove snow and ice. Prevent issues fast with a pusher that removes snow and ice on the first attempt. This is especially important during business hours when customers are coming and going. A steel edge on the right pusher will scrape even hard-packed snow and ice down to the pavement, reducing the need to salt, and increasing customer safety. Keep Your Snow Services Safe This Season Simple safety strategies for snow and ice removal ■ BY RANDY STRAIT As cold temperatures and snowstorms appear on the weather radar, many landscape contractors start offering snow and ice removal services. The transition from managing summertime to wintertime services puts these contractors into a high-stress environment that can create a slippery slope of potential injuries, equipment damage and lawsuits if safety measures aren't followed. Before moving snow this season, enhance jobsite safety by considering which pusher practices and features keep the operator, equipment and property safe. Put safety first While it may sound simple, some of the most basic safety measures can be the first forgotten during the hectic snow season. Prevent the danger of cold exposure by always wearing and bringing extra warm clothing, boots, hats and gloves — especially if the operator needs to shovel or in case of a breakdown. Wear high-visibility clothing, such as vests and hardhats, and make sure to follow all requirements from local OSHA regulations.