For businesses located in Michigan or rather, those in the Midwest area, having snow removal services provides a multitude of benefits. Benefits such as but not limited to the following:

• Protection against slip and fall claims
• Safety and liability reduction
• Customer access and business continuity
• Employee safety
• Professional expertise and equipment
• Compliance with local regulations
• Time-saving by outsourcing
• Protection from roof collapse

Snow accumulation is a serious natural occurrence for many areas of the United States, not just for those of us here in the Midwest. Oh but how beautiful it is when the freshly fallen snow provides that peaceful backdrop – it really looks harmless. It’s also an excellent opportunity to create great perfect conditions for those who enjoy winter sports like skiing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, hockey or plain old fun just playing in the snow creating snow angels or snowmen. However pretty it may look, it also presents problems that must be dealt with to ensure public safety.

Commercial storm, snow and ice management is an essential service during the winter months because removing the snow will cause other winter weather problems to address. Once the snow is removed, depending on the snowfall amount, it can create a sheet of slickness that will potentially causes injuries by slipping on the slick surface. It also prevents vehicles from skidding while rolling out of a driveway or pulling into the employee parking lot. Thus, the importance of snow management is in avoiding injuries and keeping people safe from harm.

Snow management is a term used to describe managing and removing snow from roads and sidewalks, including methods, equipment, and chemicals used to keep sidewalks, roads, parking lots, commercial roofs, and other areas as safe as possible for pedestrians and motorists.

Importance of Snow Removal for Senior Citizens

Many cities offer senior citizens 65 years of age and over and disabled residents the opportunity to apply with a registration fee for municipal snow clearing services.

Most cities have a snow clearing plan, but there is not much for seniors and others. Municipal snow clearing plans for disabled populations are usually limited to depending on the kindness of neighbors. Automated calls from public works during snow events in smaller cities often remind residents to help their neighbors that need help. For example, the city of Cincinnati’s current snow plan relies on residents to help neighbors with disabilities “navigate through the difficulties of winter.”

Wheelchair users may be stuck in their homes for a long time, missing work, doctors’ appointments, school, and more, as they wait not just for their streets but also sidewalks to be cleared. Navigating through the snow is not always a safe option.

Part of the problem is that most people do not shovel paths wide enough for wheelchair accessibility.  In addition to narrow paths on sidewalks, the piles left after a snowplow company services an area. They drop salt to melt the ice, creating further hazards for wheelchair users, the disabled, and seniors.

The dangers of walking on unsalted ice are obvious.  Unsalted ice can be as much as ten times as slippery as normal, dry surfaces. Unfortunately, the ice itself is not the only winter hazard presented by snow and ice removal techniques. In areas where snow has been plowed away from curbs, approaching vehicles must either drop down to the road surface or climb up too high onto the sidewalk – both maneuvers are dangerous.

Snow must be removed from sidewalks up to fifteen feet from any property line. This usually includes six inches of compacted snow on top of frozen ground, which can be extremely difficult to remove without proper tools. If fresh, powdery snow has fallen, removing the top few inches of snow for salt or other chemical ice-melters may be necessary to reach the ice below.

What are the impacts and challenges of de-icing?

One primary concern in snow removal is environmental safety. Salt can cause problems when it comes into contact with certain vegetation. It can also be an issue if animals come into contact with salt and sodium chloride. These factors must be considered when dealing with governmental agencies and large businesses that forbid salt to melt ice.

Salt can also corrode metals such as steel, aluminum, or galvanized metal—and because most snow-removal equipment is made from one of these three materials, the salt used in snow management can cause significant damage to vehicles that are involved or come into contact with it. When this happens, replacement parts must be obtained, and the vehicle must be reconditioned at the owner’s expense.

The chemicals used in most winter de-icing materials are corrosive to metals as well as rubber hoses and belts, thus requiring meticulous maintenance of snow-removal equipment. For example, calcium chloride is used in roughly 90 percent of the winter mountain areas of the US. Calcium chloride corrodes bare metal or galvanized steel at a rate of 6.5 lbs. per year per 1,000 square feet.

People using snow-removal equipment must be appropriately trained in the best practices used for this job and should always wear safety gear while doing so. Anyone involved in the snow removal industry must be trained in proper safety procedures for using snow-removal equipment as well as the use of chemicals for de-icing and should wear protective goggles or glasses, thick gloves to avoid injury from sharp edges or chemicals, waterproof boots that provide traction on icy surfaces, and heavy clothing.

If salt or other corrosive materials are used for melting snow or ice, the equipment used must be thoroughly cleaned after every use to prevent damage. Salt-damaged vehicles should not be kept outside; they should be brought inside to avoid rusting. Since rust is almost impossible to remove from vehicles, this process can become extremely expensive.

What are the benefits of snow removal

In conclusion, whether for businesses or the broader community, professional snow removal provides essential safety and accessibility benefits during harsh winter months. It ensures community wellness, maintains business operations, and protects infrastructure, all while requiring careful consideration of environmental impacts and equipment maintenance. Embracing professional expertise can make winter more manageable and safer for everyone.