Amid the intense heat of summer, winter might be the last thing on the minds of most people. For facility and operations managers, however, summer is the best time to lock in a trusted snow and ice removal vendor. Acting early not only guarantees the best rates but also ensures they get the best provider for their needs.
The importance of having a trusted service provider in place can’t be overstated. Yes, ensuring customers and employees have clear access to parking lots during the winter is a crucial consideration. But an equally important – and often overlooked – factor is safety. Slip-and-fall accidents in parking lots are a major liability risk, and the costs associated with these incidents extend far beyond medical expenses.
The Risks and Statistics
An estimated 1 million Americans are injured each year due to slip and fall injuries, with the risk of those injuries rising dramatically during the winter months, according to estimates (1). About 25% of all winter-related falls occur in parking lots, where it is easier for snow and ice to accumulate without proper maintenance (2).
The financial implications of these accidents are significant. The average cost of winter slip-and-fall lost-time claim is between $40,000 and $45,000 (3). Beyond medical costs, businesses face potentially expensive lawsuits, increased insurance premiums, and the loss of productivity due to injured employees. Snow and ice-related slip-and-falls contribute to approximately 95 million lost workdays each year (4).
Moreover, the reputational damage from such incidents should not be ignored. News of a business being sued for negligence can deter customers and clients, leading to a loss of trust and business opportunities.
The Value of a National Snow and Ice Management Service Provider
Given these risks, it is crucial for facility leaders to prioritize effective snow and ice management. Opting for a national snow removal service provider who also has a strong local focus delivers important advantages in reducing these risks and saving money when compared to managing local vendors in each market. Here’s how:
- Nationwide Scale and Resources: National service providers have the scale, resources and expertise to manage snow and ice efficiently across multiple sites and multiple states (KBS currently manages nearly 4,000 snow service locations across North America). This approach ensures standardized procedures and training across sites, improving brand consistency and reliability across locations.
- Comprehensive Support and Local Management: National service providers like KBS typically provide a 24/7 customer call center, local field management, and an expansive network of trusted on-time crews to plow road and parking lots, clear sidewalks, haul snow, and proactively manage ice. This combination enables teams to respond to effectively to local market conditions and needs.
- Advanced Forecasting Technology: National service providers invest more on technology to proactively identify when a snow event is coming – essential to timely and consistent snow removal services. For example, KBS’ SnowMap technology uses data from weather services to create work orders automatically when certain snow criteria are met. This enables teams to respond proactively to clear sites and lower risk. Clients, meanwhile, get access to interactive maps and real-time operational data, increasing transparency and accountability and providing peace-of-mind that facilities are cleared of snow and ice.
- Cost and Administrative Savings: National service providers can typically offer clients significant cost savings compared to managing multiple local vendors on their own, thanks to economies of scale and streamlined operations. This lowers the cost of risk mitigation. Large providers simplify the administrative burden for clients by providing a single point of contact and unified invoicing, reducing the logistical nightmare of handling numerous contracts and invoices. KBS, for example, can save clients an estimated 5-10% in this area through better, more consistent service and by reducing the number of service providers.
Locking in a trusted national snow service provider in the summer, ideally between now and Labor Day, ensures organizations get the best price and peace of mind for the winter ahead.
Partner with KBS
The hidden dangers of neglecting proper snow and ice removal are significant and multifaceted. From the immediate risks of slip-and-fall accidents to the long-term financial and reputational damage, businesses cannot afford to ignore this critical aspect of facility management. Contracting with a reputable national service provider like KBS ensures that your facilities are safe and accessible this winter while reducing overall liability risk.
KBS offers comprehensive exterior services, including snow plowing and ice management, tailored to meet the needs of any client with multiple locations. With dedicated employees and a network of partners, KBS is equipped to handle the complexities of large-scale snow and ice management, ensuring consistent quality and reliability across all your locations. To learn more, request a quote.
