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BLOG NUMBER 27.17

The snow removal industry is growing more robust than ever as the winter season draws near with its snowy, slippery conditions. Snow removal is necessary for everyone’s safety. Many neighborhoods’ environmental initiatives include snow removal in their planning for the winter months. As the weather drops and the snow falls, if you own a snow removal firm, consider the following snow challenges in the snow removal industry.

Labor shortage

The labor shortage crisis has not missed the snow removal industry. Numerous employees are quitting their jobs, some without prior notice. The issue of employee “ghosting,” where employees stop showing up for work without communicating a change in plans, has worsened, alarming companies and leading them to rush in search of trained and qualified personnel.

This is especially true for the commercial snow and ice management industry. It is difficult to attract and keep exceptional staff because of the demanding nature of the work and the unpredictable hours. This is a stressful place to be in for snow removal companies.

Keeping Up with the Newest Technology & Equipment

It’s a fact that the most prosperous snow removal businesses frequently have access to the newest tools and technology, which helps them do their tasks more quickly and effectively. Access to the necessary tools and equipment can greatly ease the lifting involved in removing snow from residential and commercial premises. There is much more to managing a successful snow removal business than just answering calls, so keeping up with technology becomes time-consuming and presents challenges to snow removal companies.

Managing Snow and Ice Removal for Large Spaces

Managing the vast surface areas that need to be cleared of snow and ice is one of the biggest challenges snow removal services have when trying to remove snow. In order to guarantee safe operations and accessibility, these firms must safely clear large parking lots, roadways, and outdoor storage spaces.

Most snow removal companies use specialized snow removal equipment made for large-scale operations to solve this problem. Heavy-duty snowplows, loaders, and even snow-melting devices are examples of this type of machinery.

Access to Snow and Ice Removal Supplies

You may not be aware, but rock salt shortages can affect companies that remove snow. Governmental organizations typically have first dibs on the salt supply; private snow and ice management companies must secure the leftover supply. The availability of salt has been limited and demand has grown over the past few years, leading to higher costs. The supply chain has been affected by a great deal of uncertainty, thus the private snow business as a whole needs to be proactive in addressing this. 

Owing to limitations on the salt supply, snow removal providers are compelled to take on snow and ice removal using other techniques. Snow removal firms are becoming more aware of the benefits of liquid deicers as they learn more about the science underlying these techniques. Contractors must constantly try to stay one step ahead of any storm, keeping in mind their limited supply of salt. 

Environmental Pressures

Lastly, businesses that remove snow and ice are under immediate pressure to adopt sustainable procedures due to the growing environmental concerns. The best way to reduce waste when using ice melt products is to be proactive and prevent ice from forming in the first place. Anti-icing is the least expensive and greenest way to keep ice from accumulating. It entails using an ice melt before a storm hits.

A thorough snow removal plan that takes the presence of hazardous materials into account must also be in place. To comply with environmental rules, this may involve adequately containing and disposing of snow that has been contaminated with chemicals or contaminants. 

Conclusion

When it comes to snow removal, snow removal businesses have unique and specific challenges. Having workable solutions is essential to ensure efficient operations and financial savings. Industrial property owners and the snow removal firms they hire can reduce hazards, avert accidents, and preserve production in the face of severe winter weather by knowing the unique requirements of their building and putting innovative snow removal plans into place. Snow and ice removal is a thriving industry, despite the challenges they face. 

DISCLAIMER: Information contained in this Website and blog is intended for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the direct opinions, views or practices of Swenson Consulting or its consultants. The individuals who maintain this blog work for Swenson Consulting. The information, comments and links posted on this blog do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship has been or will be formed by any communication(s) to, from or with the blog and/or the blogger. All decisions relating to the content of the website blog belong to the blogger and management company responsible for the blog for the purpose of aggregating relative industry specific information related to snow removal.

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