By Jason Scott, CSP
In the Northeast we have been lucky so far. We were faced with a freak snow storm in October delivering 2-4” of snow that tested our preparedness and scared us of the possibility of a very LONG season. Fortunately, mother nature has given us a break and an opportunity to continue our preparations.
My winter role is unique. I own and operate my own residential landscape maintenance company, but close my business for the winter and jump on board with a large commercial snow and ice management firm and assume the role as an area manager for the winter months. I manage 5 large commercial sites where I am fully accountable for the operational implementation and safety of the site. As I assume my post for 2011/2012 season I craft my punch list of things to be accomplished before the next snowfall. We follow the 5 P’s: proper planning prevents poor performance.
Here is a snapshot of my checklist as our window of opportunity begins to close. I thought by sharing my list we could relate to the amount of effort it takes to be prepared for a seasonal business powered by the weather. I hope you are inspired to develop your own or maybe add something you may have overlooked. Please comment and share some of your items!
- Secure/deliver safety vests for subcontractors, shovelers, operators and salt truck drivers (34 in total)
- Negotiate and order/deliver ice melt pallets to sites
- Move walk behind broom to site
- Hire 4 more shovelers
- Test/Deliver backblowers for use on rail switches
- Schedule/Perform 2 site visits with PM’s
- Schedule/Perform 5 site walks with new operators
- Take pictures of serial numbers of 2 pushers
- Create multiple site maps for each site and designate responsibilities to operators
- Treat and deliver gas cans for snow throwers
- Test access passes for gates and clubhouses
- Load and deliver 2 sidewalk spreaders
- Top off transfer tank
- Move shovels to on-site container
- Order salt for satellite barn
- Load drivers for printer on new tablet
- Populate database with Subcontractors/shovelers/operators and their corresponding equipment
To simplify the process I add each item into my outlook calendar and use that as a tool to make sure nothing gets missed. Happy New Year and be safe out there!
Jason Scott, CSP is an area manager for The Groundskeeper, Inc. in Ashland, MA. Read more of Jason's snow and landscaping blog here http://www.redtrucks.net/blog/.
