• Stock up early on salt, sand or ice melt. Use calcium chloride instead of rock salt. It works better at low temperatures and is less damaging to concrete and landscaping.
• Purchase entry walk-off mats that are not so thick as to block the swing of
entry doors.
• Extend mats 8 to 12 feet into the entrance to allow for the removal of moisture from shoes. A rule of the thumb is to have the mat long enough so that each foot steps on the mat three times.
• Institute frequent floor surface monitoring by designated staff throughout a weather event.
• Have dry mops and wet floor signs readily available.
• Consider closing side entrances if you lack the resources for frequent inspection and maintenance.
• Post an employee at entrances during peak hours to encourage wiping feet on mats. You can also post a sign to get attention.
• Inspect handrails to ensure they meet minimum strength and positioning requirements. Consider installing more handrails to aid in winter safety.
• Inspect awnings, gutters, roofs and downspouts for repair or replacement. A dripping gutter over an entryway can lead to ice buildup.
• Be sure walkways are clear before releasing staff early from work during storms.
• Review/implement snow removal contracts/system
• Ensure duties are clearly defined for your staff and for any snow removal contractors you use. And be sure any snow removal contract specifies how often salting / snow removal is to be preformed.
• Monitor weather reports and post daily weather briefings. (Tire Review/Akron)
