As we move into Autumn the nights will start to draw in and of course the weather will get colder. With the winter weather comes the risk of snow and ice, something that businesses have to take seriously. It is estimated that the travel disruption and effect on business activity, costing the UK economy millions each year. It is therefore important for businesses to be prepared for snow and ice to try and minimise disruption. We have put together 5 of the best tips for businesses to deal with the threat of the harsh winter weather!
5 tips how to be prepared this Winter
1. Be prepared
Make sure your business is ready for winter before the weather hits. It is often the way that we don’t worry about snow and ice until it has already arrived by which time it is too late to deal with it effectively.
It is important that salt, grit bins, snow shovels etc are in place before the weather hits as it can often be difficult to get hold of these sort of supplies during cold snaps due to travel disruption and a spike in demand. It is also important to have internal procedures in place, such as who is responsible for gritting and when will it be carried out.
2. Keep an eye on the forecast
Whilst weather forecasters don’t always get it right, modern weather forecasts are relatively accurate and can give us a good idea of when snow or ice is likely to arrive. By understanding what is coming businesses are able to ensure the premises is prepared for example making sure paths, car parks are gritted. Also businesses are able to warn staff of potential travel disruption allowing them to leave earlier, make alternative travel arrangements or prepare to work from home.
3. Clear labelled recycling bins
Using salt and grit on carparks, walkways and yards can prevent the build-up of ice and snow, keeping areas safe and accessible. Salt and grit is the most economical and popular choice with a choice of brown grit or white salt. Brown salt is a mixture of grit and salt, designed for the salt to melt the ice and the grit to provide traction.
The white salt is pure salt, it is more concentrated and cleaner preventing brown residue being walked into buildings. Often brown salt if preferred for traffic areas where as white salt is preferred for pedestrian walkways. Grit bins are the best way to store salt or grit, they can be situated in outdoor areas and will keep salt supplies dry. Our Supertuff grit bin is a practical and stylish design, moulded from robust plastic to ensure it will not rust or degrade. Buy your grit salt with G Force Europe as we have discounts on bulk orders.
4. Clear snow early
Snow is easier to clear when it has first fallen as it is soft and loose. Once it has been walked and driven on it becomes compact and more difficult to clear. To make snow clearance easy we offer snow shovels and snow pushers. Piles of cleared snow take a long time to melt so be careful where you pile it up to prevent blocking access. Once clear it is a good idea to spread some salt or grit to prevent the area freezing.
5. Winter driving
Driving in wintery conditions can be challenging and it advisable that businesses put in place a winter driving policy for staff who drive for work purposes. The main focus being on the conditions when vehicles should or should not be used, naturally the best option in severe weather is to stay off the roads.
Attention should be paid to breakdown cover and emergency arrangements, as the risk of breakdown or getting stuck are increased if bad weather hits. Company owned vehicles should be properly prepared for winter with the correct servicing, it is also a good idea to equip vehicles with a snow shovel and winter clothing.