Issue 2 • 2020
PUBLICATION MAIL AGREEMENT #40934510
The politics of
SALT
Protecting seasonal workers during covid-19
snow and ice risk management
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Protecting seasonal workers during COVID-19......................... 5 How we can help to reduce the costs of snow plow operations for the taxpayers....................................... 7 Snow and ice risk management.................................................... 9 Unique support for the winter maintenance community.......... 12 The politics of salt......................................................................... 13 Sustainable Winter Management (SWiM).................................. 18 The increased risk of shoveling snow in the post-COVID world............................................................. 21 Index to advertisers...................................................................... 23
Published by: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 0G5 www.delcommunications.com President/Publisher David Langstaff Managing Editor Shayna Wiwierski Sales Manager Dayna Oulion dayna@delcommunications.com Advertising Sales Brent Astrope Jennifer Hebert Contributing writers Ted Butler Maura Keller Catherine LeClerc Phill Sexton Kristina Vassilieva ................................................................................ Production services provided by S.G. Bennett Marketing Services www.sgbennett.com Creative Director Kathy Cable ................................................................................ Subscription information available. Please contact DEL Communications Inc. Two issues for $12.00 © Copyright 2020 DEL Communications Inc. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of the publisher.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF
Arctic Snow & Ice arcticsnowandiceproducts.com
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While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein and the reliability of the source, the publisher in no way guarantees nor warrants the information and is not responsible for errors, omissions or statements made by advertisers. Opinions and recommendations made by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher, its directors, officers or employees. Publications mail agreement #40934510 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: DEL Communications Inc. Suite 300, 6 Roslyn Road, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0G5 Printed in Canada 11/2020
Product Showcase
Protecting seasonal workers during COVID-19 By Kristina Vassilieva, HR Writer, Peninsula Canada
I
t is unclear how long the COVID-19 pandemic will last, and with the potential for more waves of the virus in the future, seasonal industries may also be affected. Employers have a legal duty to protect the health and safety of their workers, and this includes protecting them from infectious diseases. It is therefore the responsibility of business owners and employers to make changes to their workplaces’ procedures and practices in order to ensure the health and safety of their workers. There is little data available to suggest that COVID-19 cases will rise during winter, however, other respiratory viruses such as influenza experience an increase in cases during colder months of the year. This correlates with the increased amount of time people spend in indoor public places SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca
when it is cold outside. Increased social interactions in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation further peoples’ chances of contracting viruses. In preparation, employers can remind employees to practice social distancing, spend more time outdoors, and avoid enclosed public spaces when possible.
Risk assessments With seasonal work, employers must consider the unique working circumstances of their employees and respond by eliminating or reducing any hazards they may find. Prior to starting the season, employers must conduct a risk assessment to determine what potential dangers employees are exposed to when working. In the context of COVID-19, this means assessing when workers
are likely to interact with coworkers or the public and how these interactions can be reduced or prevented entirely to minimize their exposure to others.
Controlling risks in the workplace If risks associated with performing a certain task at work cannot be eliminated, it may be necessary to remove the task altogether or to heighten safety measures when it is being carried out. For example, if an employee has to enter an enclosed space such as an office, indoor parking garage, storage space or a break room, the employer must follow government guidelines in ensuring that all necessary COVID-19 health and safety measures are in place. Measures may include distancing markers, one-way flow in narrow 5
spaces, capacity limits, and plexiglass barriers where distancing is not possible. In-person interactions within the workplace and at other sites the employee may be required to visit should be kept as brief as possible, while practicing distancing and wearing personal protective equipment. Preparing your workplace also means providing enough supplies. Employees should have easy access to hygiene products like hand sanitizers, tissues, and soap when working. Additionally, the workplace should be cleaned and disinfected frequently, especially commonly touched surfaces such as door handles and countertops.
Health and safety while working Using any shared equipment should be avoided. If equipment cannot be easily disinfected, it should not be used at all. Shared work vehicles should also have a capacity of one employee and be disinfected in between employees’ uses. When isolation is not possible, opening windows and ensuring good ventilation can help reduce changes of infection.
HR considerations There are also HR steps employers can take to help protect their workers during the pandemic. Providing education on COVID-19 and how to work safely will be important in ensuring everyone is playing their part in preventing the spread of the virus to the workplace. Employees should receive training on any new workplace procedures, as well as how to correctly use personal protective equipment. Additionally, employers must inform workers of what will happen if an employee contracts COVID-19, if an employee is exposed to someone 6
with COVID-19, and how contact tracing will be carried out. Keeping a log of all visitors and workers’ interactions with the public can help management determine the source of infection if a worker tests positive and to inform other workers if they’ve been exposed to someone carrying the virus. Employees should be asked to self-monitor for symptoms and avoid coming in for work if they are experiencing any. To further reduce interactions and capacity, employers can implement staggered shifts, flexible work hours, and break times to help ensure spaces are shared as little as possible.
safety advisory serving over 80,000 small businesses worldwide. Clients are supported with ongoing updates of their workplace documentation and policies as legislation changes. Additionally, clients benefit from 24/7 employer HR advice and are protected by legal insurance. Contact us today to learn more about how we help employers succeed: 1-833-247-3652 or online at peninsula-ca.com.
Supporting employees’ well-being As the days get colder and darker and pandemic fatigue sets in, some employees may start experiencing poor mental health. This can be due to fears of contracting COVID-19 at work or general anxieties related to the pandemic. Employers can support workers by providing additional leave options in excess of the statutory minimum, as well as paid leave for employees who get sick. The latter will ensure that sick workers actually stay home as some may not be able to take unpaid time off work and might risk coming in anyway. Mental health resources, such as employee assistance programs, can also be helpful to workers. Employers should remind employees of all available resources and how they can help them. Initiating the conversation on mental health in the workplace can help employees feel more comfortable in opening up about their concerns. To support workers, employers should inform them of who to speak with if they need help, what accommodations can be made to help them, and what further resources they can access.
About the author Kristina Vassilieva is a writer at Peninsula, an HR and health and safety consultancy serving small- and medium-sized businesses across Canada. In her writing she covers popular HR and workplace health and safety topics, as well as news, employment laws and legislative changes that affect Canadian businesses. Her work has been published in numerous newspapers, magazines, as well as trade and HR publications. ■
About Peninsula Peninsula is a trusted HR and health & ISSUE 2 – 2020 | SNOW MANAGER
How we can help to reduce the costs of snow plow operations for the taxpayers By Ted Butler
O
nce again, winter is upon us here in Canada, and along with the winter season comes the inevitable onslaught of cold temperatures, snowfalls, and freezing roads. The municipal public works departments in our towns and cities across Canada do an amazing job every year of keeping our roads as safe as possible. Many municipalities across Canada have their own snowplowing equipment, yet some municipalities still contract out their plowing requirements to private snow removal companies. Regardless of which method your municipality uses to keep your local roads and sidewalks clear, it’s important to remember that it is an arduous and monumental task each and every winter. It requires a lot of well-trained people, as well as resources and money. The annual tax dollars appropriated to the snow removal process is staggering. Consider for a moment all the resources and equipment required to keep your roads clear. You have all the plow trucks and heavy equipment, which are very expensive to purchase and operate. You have fuel costs and maintenance costs and repairs for the plows. You have highly trained (and well paid) staff to operate the plows. There are other costs involved also, such as stockpiles of sand and/or salt, and other de-icing or anti-icing chemicals to spread upon the roads. There are public works
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buildings required to house the staff and the equipment. Electricity for lights and heating, and many other costs associated with keeping our roads safe every winter. Another major cost which is rapidly increasing every year is the insurance premiums, which are partially due to an increase in slip and fall litigations. Nowadays, in Canada, there are lawyers who actually specialize in slip and fall litigation. Some of their websites instruct fallen potential customers to ensure they take pictures of the scene and get any names and phone numbers of witnesses in order to ensure they have evidence for the court case. It begs the question of are these people who sue their municipalities for slipping and falling on public sidewalks the same people complaining about increases in municipal taxation? Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there are some legitimate cases of extreme neglect of winter maintenance which has caused some legitimate injuries, and I do agree that those victims should be properly compensated for their suffering. That said, I do feel the compensation should precisely fit the consequence only. In other words, whatever the cost of the injury is for the victim, that is what they should receive. Hospital bills, prescriptions, time off work, etc., only. Nothing else. I just don’t think that a slip and fall situation should be an opportunity for victims and lawyers to fill their pockets with taxpayers’ hard-earned
dollars. Remember, it’s always us taxpayers who must cover the bill. Whenever I see a plethora of lawyers specializing in slip and fall litigation, it tells me that they know there’s a lot of money in it. Taxpayers money. Another very effective method to reducing snow plowing costs is to decrease salt usage on our streets. This method is also helpful for our environment. Western Canadian provinces generally use more sand and less salt on their roads mainly because salt is not effective at extremely low temperatures. Ontario municipalities generally use more salt than sand, especially in southern Ontario where the winter temperatures do not often get as low.
Salt statistics Salt is the most commonly used deicing chemical and is a very effective tool, but it has its limitations such as… If the pavement temperature is… • -1°C, one pound of salt will melt around 40 pounds of ice. • At -7°C, one pound of salt will only melt around eight pounds of ice. • At -14 °C, salt will melt very little ice. • At -15°C, salt becomes ineffective and other methods are recommended. • At 3.8°C, salt will melt a thin layer of ice in about seven minutes. • At 12.2 °C, salt will melt that same thin layer of ice in about an hour. 7
These facts lead most public works managers to consider limiting the application of salt when the pavement temperatures are in the range of -9.5°C to -6.5°C and falling. These figures can vary slightly depending upon which part of the country you live in (dry climates or moist climates).
Another costly issue within the private or contract snow plowing industry is price fixing. In 2017, the Competition Bureau of Canada (an independent law enforcement agency) announced to all the snow removal contractors that agreeing on pricing in any particular territory is illegal. If a snow removal contractor approaches another competing snow removal contractor and offers to “share the workload” or “split routes” or agree on their pricing to offer to customers, it’s against the law. We must be wary of this type of arrangement. Snow removal contractors must understand that when they discuss these types of subjects with their regional competitors, they’re walking on thin ice (no pun intended). If you are in the snow removal business, remember it’s illegal to agree with nearby snow removal competitors regarding: • T he prices you are charging, including any increases and/or surcharges. • T he number of customers you will sign up.
Anti-icing agents are commonly used in areas where a higher level of service is needed. Anti-icing is applied as a liquid chemical to the
In order to keep yourself and your business safe from any legal trouble, remember the following tips: • Do not discuss business with competitors unless you are accompanied by a lawyer.
• Decide your prices, price increases, and surcharges on your own. • Explain the terms of your service contract to your customers. • Report any suspicious activity to the competition bureau immediately through the Whistleblowing initiative, or by calling 1-800-3485358. Many Canadian citizens feel that they are heavily taxed, as compared to other countries. We live in a huge country. Almost 8,000 kilometres across from the Atlantic to the Pacific and there are a lot of roads to maintain. There is a total of 1,042,300 kilometres (647,700 miles) of roads in Canada, of which 415,600 kilometres (258,200 miles) are paved, including 17,000 kilometres (11,000 miles) of expressways, the third-longest in the world. Therefore, snow plowing is definitely an essential service in Canada. It’s an annual task which must be done as efficiently as possible to the keep costs down for our taxpayers. Our municipal public works departments across Canada do an absolutely amazing job every year within very stringent budgets. Unfortunately, it’s just not physically possible to keep every square foot of roads and sidewalks 100 per cent clear at all times. Let’s be careful out there. ■
pavement prior to the storms’ arrival. It is recommended to use in the range of 25 to 50 gallons per lane-mile. This amount of agent will remain on the road for many hours and possibly days. Effective snow-removal operations require plenty of planning and constant training. Trained and seasoned snow plow operators are the key to efficient snow removal operations. Upgrades in equipment and appropriate use of new chemicals will help reduce operational cost budgets. 8
ISSUE 2 – 2020 | SNOW MANAGER
Snow and ice risk management By Marsh Canada Limited
I
f customers hurt themselves on the property you are contracted to maintain, they may demand compensation or even sue you. Slips, trips, and falls after snowfalls and in icy conditions are leading to more lawsuits than ever before with more Canadian courts finding businesses guilty of negligence and awarding higher compensation for injuries sustained. To complicate matters, it can take months or even years for a claim to be advanced against you, and even longer for a resolution to be reached. Given the consequences of being unprepared, it only makes good business sense to investigate ways of helping to mitigate your exposure.
Snow contracts • One of the best ways to manage slip and fall risk is by purchasing the appropriate insurance coverage. Snow contractors should not sign any contracts that have a hold harmless agreement or accept liability for something that is not within their control. • Contractors should have contracts rather than verbal agreements. This way, if there is ever an issue, there is also a legal document to which to refer. • Snow contracts should include a time and accumulation agreement. For example, the contractor is responsible to clear two inches of snow within 24 hours of a snowfall, etc. SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca
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Maintenance logs • Maintenance logs should be kept for a minimum of three to seven years in case there is a notice of claim of which the contractor is not aware. • Site conditions should be logged before and after snow clearing and salting. In the case of a claim, photos would also be helpful. • L og sheets increase the frequency of communication between employee/ operator and the owner, and should be provided to customers to show dates, times, and condition comments for all parking lots and walkways.
GPS tracking • I f you have access to global positioning system (GPS) tracking on your trucks, this can help prove the time and date your trucks were onsite and even acts as a backup of maintenance logs in case there is ever a dispute. • GPS provides the principal peace-
Notes to clients about property maintenance issues • I f the contractor notices maintenance problems at the facility while performing snow clearance, such as leaking eavestroughs, pictures and letters should be promptly sent to the property owner to notify them of the issue. A slip and fall claim can happen due to flash-freezing, and the contractor’s contract with their client would most likely not address liability in this situation.
Recruitment, training, and recognition • Only staff with a minimum of three years experience should be hired. • Smart About Salt certification is a risk management environmental stewardship program that promotes improved safe snow and ice control practices on parking lots and sidewalks in an effort to reduce the amount of road salt entering the environment.
equipment is and tracking ability if
• P rovide recognition for good driving and due diligence.
equipment is stolen.
• Staff should be educated through the
of-mind in knowing where their
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use of sitemaps with clearly marked areas for clearing and relocating snow. • Encourage the proper use of maintenance logs.
Tracking weather conditions • Dispatch should print-off and file a record of weather conditions from Environment Canada to prove if there was precipitation in case of an incident. Your risk of slip, trip, and fall incidents increases dramatically when complicated by the weather elements of snow and ice. Reviewing the adequacy of your insurance coverage and observing some best practices during inclement weather conditions can help ensure you are managing the risks effectively. ■ This article is not intended to be taken as advice regarding any individual situation and should not be relied upon as such. The information contained herein is based on sources we believe reliable, but we make no representation or warranty as to its accuracy. Marsh shall have no obligation to update this publication and shall have no liability to you or any other party arising out of this publication or any matter contained herein.
com
now. www.hlas
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snow. ult against a s s a e th ow clearing like to lead le to any sn b those who ta r p a fo d t a il u is b ing nowWing is the SnowW l. The HLA S formations t n a single too re h fe it if w d s e in d y la fl b to w d o Designe xclusive of other sn g a variety , and an e in m c te la s p y re S k n s o ta ti Tire Protec ailer pins. Actuators, s such as tr g ry n a ta o rh R e v d o patente e under low It features for clearanc * p ti g in w removeable formation. r for more in ings only le a e d l a c lo on 5 foot w r *available Contact you
Unique support for the winter maintenance community Smart About Salt Council (SASC), a collaborative not-for-profit serving throughout Canada and the USA
T
he Smart About Salt Council (SASC) is a unique organization. A not-for-profit which was incubated through a government-industry partnership, SASC is dedicated to supporting all stakeholders involved in winter maintenance to adopt best management practices (BMPs) in a win-win model that supports safety, meaningfully addresses business concerns of contracts, owners/operations, procurement professionals and alike, but also mitigates clear environmental concerns. Smart About Salt Council (SASC) has been in operation for just over a decade, during this time the organization has developed robust and award-winning training that is available in both English and French online and (when the global pandemic which has arisen because of COVID-19), in-person. SASC continues to expand the delivery of programs and services throughout North America, forging a partnership in 2019 with New Hampshire’s (NH) Department of Environmental Services (DES) to support their successful Green SnowPro program, which brings liability relief to those that are trained and certified. The NH program is instructive in so far as for businesses (contractors and facility owners) the main benefit of the program, i.e. the liability relief from slip and fall claims, is predicated on using agreed BMPs understood through training. It’s a program that is being closely followed and considered in many jurisdictions throughout Canada and the USA as they strive to balance environmental issues, business concerns and public 12
SASC has also taken its efforts one-step further, developing and launching program verification efforts in 2019 that seek to support the winter maintenance industry in their efforts, provide a bridge in communication between parties (typically contractors and facility operators), and address public concerns. This industry-first program also provides SASC with insight into how BMPs are being applied in the field and how training and certification efforts can be continually improved.
demands. Even as state and provincial governments review their options, we’re increasingly seeing procurement efforts (tenders) requiring demonstration of knowledge, professionalism, and application of BMPs. In part, this is why the SASC also offers its own certification, which like the NH effort, is tied to training.
Those wishing to learn more about the unique programs and services offered by the Smart About Salt Council are encouraged to visit www. smartaboutsalt.com. On the website, people can quickly sign up for training which is priced at $375 CDN (less than the price of a cup of coffee a day) and Register Intent to Certify for $226 CDN. ■
Certified Smart About Salt Council contractors, owners, and others must complete a mandatory basic Essentials of Salt Management training course every five years and a refresher every two. The course materials cover 13 teaching modules that focus around everything from salt science and weather through to risk management and recordkeeping. The comprehensive nature of the training and certification is one of the reasons that, when put into practice, contractors can often achieve reductions in business insurance and a due-diligence defense against slip and fall claims. ISSUE 2 – 2020 | SNOW MANAGER
The politics of
SALT
Will environmental advocacy regarding salt reduction push communities and ultimately commercial contractors to adopt sectional technology? By Maura Keller and Catherine LeClerc
T
his was one of the questions that was debated recently at the Snow Industry Management
Association’s (SIMA) 2020 Symposium held virtually on August 26-28, 2020. It is not a stretch to say that there are times when government officials at the local or regional levels push through
decisions that may catch individuals or businesses by surprise. Thus, when participants at SIMA got involved in a discussion about salt use and its environmental impact on wetlands and aquifers, the question about possible governmental action opened the subject to consider how that might play out realistically and in practical terms.
The issue was framed as followed: • For years, the inherent environmental concern regarding the use of granular salt has garnered the attention of scientists and environmental activists, with the need to find ways to control its use. • Research indicates that salt is a potential hazard to lakes, streams,
Under the right conditions, the use of liquid brine can save significantly on the amount of salt applied to road surfaces.
wetlands, underground aquifers, vegetation, and wildlife. • Salt is currently the product of choice to keep road and parking lot surfaces safe for vehicles and pedestrians. • Roads and parking lots must stay open for use. • T herefore, commercial contractors need to think proactively to develop practical solutions to best reduce salt use, especially in those areas with the greatest risk of environmental harm, while keeping roads and parking lots open and safe.
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Alternatives to granular salt Liquid saltwater brine is often cited as a highly touted alternative to rock salt because of the theoretical amount of acreage that can be covered with brine versus granular salt. Unfortunately, conditions and timing are critical to brine’s effectiveness and the unpredictability of storms and temperatures make this a very imperfect strategy in actual practice. Several companies commented that they rushed into buying expensive brine equipment some years ago without fully understanding the practical challenges associated with this type of application. They now find themselves returning to rock salt. More than one company mentioned that their brine equipment will “gather dust” over the coming winter (and beyond). Performance challenges are not the only issue, however. Brine deicing brews may not only pollute streams and lake water, but can also prematurely rust vehicles and erode concrete road structures. In 2017, Vermont introduced a bill that would have banned the use of brine mixes, but it was not passed.
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Lake George is at the centre of a decades old effort to protect its ecosystem from various dangers, including road salt.
There are several potential environmentally attractive alternatives to brine, including pickle juice, barley or potato residue from distilleries, and cheese brine. Volcanic ash, sand and wood chips have also been tried alone or in a salt brew. Temperature has much to do with how effective these various combinations hold up, with some of these combinations failing in frigid cold, and in some cases leading to a worse ice problem. Beet juice, for example, was one of the appealing sounding solutions that gained considerable initial press. However, to work effectively, it still had to be mixed with some form of chloride, and there were complaints about staining of pavement, shoes, and clothing. Additionally, studies found that the sugar content in beet juice contributed to high algae growth in lakes, which in some instances was perceived as more environmentally detrimental than the amount of salt it was replacing. In Canada, when you get much outside of the larger population areas in Ontario or Quebec, you start to see less dependency on salt, primarily because it does not work effectively in
Sectional technology can reduce the amount of road salt applied by as much as 40%
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No one believed that there was any alternative to salt that would, in the near term, completely replace it. However, experts agree that without the industry taking the lead, environmental activists lacking a true appreciation of the economics of the business could possibly step in and pass ordinances that would adversely impact large numbers of companies that provide this very essential service.
sub-zero temperatures. In Edmonton, for example, the preferred material is sand, although it is actually a mixture of salt and sand called “pickle”. The salt is added to keep the sand from freezing.
Improving operator training goes a long way In addition to promoting the use of brine to replace granular salt, municipalities are also focusing on improving wasteful or unnecessary practices that are only making the problem worse. Ted Butler, corporate sales director of Canada Heavy Equipment College in Cambridge, Ontario, has been dealing with the issue of salt management for decades and finds that much can be improved by simply focusing on operator training. “Proper operator training can reduce salt use immensely, generally by half or more,” says Butler. “For our public works clients, we currently offer 16 courses in our Winter Training Program alone.” There are several case studies on the www.canada.ca website that highlight initiatives to reduce road salt with many references to operator best practices. John Allin, founding member of SIMA and perhaps the most recognized expert on the snow and ice management industry, agrees. ISSUE 2 – 2020 | SNOW MANAGER
Arctic’s Sectional Sno-Pusher TM contours to uneven road surfaces for a cleaner pass, saving up to 50 per cent on road salt.
Going “Sectional” Replacing road salt completely will be a daunting task, both economically and politically. It is used throughout North America, Europe, Japan, China, and even South America. It is a common material available in great supply and there are no industrialized countries seeking to eliminate it completely, despite the well-publicized environmental issues involved. In all likelihood, the greatest progress that will be made in the next decade will be on efforts to reduce rather than eliminate its use. One possible scenario is already being witnessed in upstate New York. SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca
Some municipalities have initiated “sectional” or “segmented edge” plow programs in which contractors, as well as municipalities are encouraged to use contouring plows and pushers on their equipment. Biologist Rick Relyea is the director of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute and the Jefferson Project at Lake George at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, which has been studying the effects of road salt since 2014. Lake George is a deep, clear 32-mile-long body of water in northern New York. Relyea and colleagues monitor the lake and conduct experiments in artificial habitats to determine the effects of chloride and other components of salts on aquatic life. Relyea says that to offset the impact road salt is having on Lake George, local governments have been adopting plows with sectioned edges
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that contour to pavement anomalies, thus clearing more snow. In 2015, the S.A.V.E. (Stop Aquatic Invasives from Entering) Lake George Partnership discovered that the lake’s salt levels tripled over the last generation. This resulted in a cry for road salt reductions and specifically the use of sectioned plows or pushers for nearby municipalities. According to a statement from S.A.V.E., segmented edge technology can “reduce the amount of road salt applied by as much as 40 per cent.” At the time, the Lake George Park Commission made it known that it could help municipalities apply for grants to help offset the costs of these specialty pushers and plows. In December 2016, the FUND for Lake George, in conjunction with S.A.V.E, delivered a matching grant to the Town of Lake George for new sectional equipment.
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“Education is key. Operator training is one of the best investments anyone can make, not only to reduce liability expenses but to save significantly on salt use as well,” says Allin. “However, much of the waste in salt comes from a lack of patience. Salt must be allowed to do its job and variables like moisture and the sun allow the salt to do what it is intended to do. This is where the client needs to be educated as well so that the impulse to simply throw down more salt is better managed.”
...many commercial snow contractors are able to recoup their investment in “Sectional” technology in their first season of us simply based on salt savings.
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Product Showcase
New York is not the only state in which sectional technology is being heralded for its ability to reduce salt’s impact on the environment. It was recently announced that New Hampshire implemented a salt reduction program within its stormwater permitting program with the state’s Department of Transportation which involved investing in sectional snow equipment. “The business case for practical and significant reduction of salt applications requires a continuous improvement approach and policies that hold the salting process accountable through the use of private performance contracts or public ordinances that follow Sustainable Winter Management (SWiM®) guidelines,” according to Phill Sexton with WIT Advisers who administers the SWiM® program and certifications (www.witadvisers.com/swim). “Program guidelines being followed by municipal ordinances and private properties in Lake George, and many other regions throughout North America include the required use of segmented plow technology as a primary tool for significantly reducing salt use.”
“I think it is safe to say that most experts consider the Arctic Sectional Sno-Pusher TM far and away the best snow pusher in the industry in terms of performance, safety, survivability, and overall value,” said Allin.
reputation for building a thoroughly
By all accounts, the Arctic story is well known to the entire industry and especially SIMA members, as it was one of its founding sponsors. The company is broadly recognized as the only major manufacturer that is also a major service provider, a fact that is well appreciated by other snow contractors. According to Allin, “The industry has long recognized the Arctic team for having a deep understanding of the brutal demands of their industry, perhaps more so than any other manufacturer. The fact that they are also such a large service contractor helps explain their
their own service fleet and used and
tested product that performs expertly in the field under the toughest conditions.” Arctic invented the highly patented Sectional Sno-Pusher in 1995 for refined it for 11 years before launching it to the public in 2006, where it has consistently grown market share each year. Nearly all units produced since 1995 are still in use thanks to an all-modular design that enables every sectional pusher and plow to be maintained in near new condition. One of the key strengths of the Arctic Sectional when compared to standard designs is its ability to cleanly scrape a surface on the first pass because its independent sections effectively contour to surfaces in ways that a
How “going sectional” will affect contractors’ bottom line This is a topic of which there were many SIMA participants who had some familiarity with the economics of using sectional pushers and plows. While they are more expensive than conventional blades, most users consider that the benefits more than justify the higher cost. When it comes to “sectional” technology, the dominant company in this space is Arctic Snow and Ice Products, Inc., headquartered in Frankfort, IL. It was the one brand consistently referenced by the symposium members, and as such was given centre stage for illustration purposes. 16
The annual SIMA Symposium and Expo is the industry’s largest gathering of snow professionals, drawing nearly 2,500 participants and over 30 speakers from North America and Europe.
ISSUE 2 – 2020 | SNOW MANAGER
single piece blade cannot. As a result, customers claim that, in addition to saving considerable time, they also save an average of 50 per cent on salt use. This is a key economic driver for their purchase, as many can recoup their investment in one season of use.
Selecting the right tool for the job Recently, some other manufacturers introduced their own spring-based segmented edge variations that, in average-to-ideal conditions, are effective in contouring to lots and roadways, reducing the use of salt by as much as 40 per cent. Their best use is on municipal salt trucks that handle light snow and general cleanup efforts on open roadways. However, construction equipment like wheel loaders are the workhorses for heavy wet snow, ice and hardpacked snow, as well as all parking lots, the typical landscape for commercial contractors. This is where spring designs often fail. By their very nature, spring designs cannot drop much below grade to get into areas where snow may gather and are incapable of applying down pressure to cutting edges to clear ice or hardpack since they are designed to release under pressure. They also show a fragile side when encountering
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larger obstacles, since they are attached metal to metal. These are all issues to consider both in terms of performance and survivability. Conversely, the Arctic design uses a patented polyurethane mounting block system instead of springs, allowing the “sectional” to clear large obstacles up to eight inches in height, get into depressions up to eight inches deep, withstand collisions without major damage, and apply as little or as much down pressure as necessary (up to 30,000 pounds) directly to the cutting edge to clear ice and hardpack snow easily — something no other design can do. The “polyblocks” are also the primary reason that Arctic’s safety record is what it is. The inexpensive and easily replaced polyblocks are designed to act as the key line of protection in any event that would otherwise cause catastrophic loss to the equipment or seriously injure the operator. Economically, its ability to seamlessly float over obstacles saves on equipment, property, and operators. Its unique ability to perform sidewalk cleaning simultaneously also saves time and money as well. Lastly, contractors exclusively employing Arctic Sectionals in their fleet have reportedly been able to lower their
insurance premiums, based on documented evidence of reduced property and injury claims.
Conclusion For commercial snow contractors, it may only be a matter of time before environmental advocacy threatens those firms hanging onto older pusher technology that encourages greater salt use. Thus, the decision to swap one’s conventional pusher fleet for sectional alternatives may or may not be voluntary. In the meantime, it may be advisable for snow contractors to introduce sectional technology to their own operations if they have not already. Given the economic benefits that many are already realizing with this equipment, this may be a winwin for both environmentalists and commercial snow contractors alike. ■ Maura Keller is a seasoned writer, editor, and published author with more than 22 years of experience. She has written about business, design, marketing, health care, and a wealth of other topics for dozens of regional and national publications, as well as Fortune 500 employee communication materials. Catherine LeClerc is a freelance writer, consultant, and bilingual publicist living in Quebec with more than five years of research and reporting on issues related to environmentalism and the snow industry.
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Sustainable Winter Management (SWiM®) Policy and proof case for keeping snow, ice, and your costs under control
C
ost control, risk management, rising expectations for sustainable practices, and near perfect conditions are realistic challenges that snow & ice management professionals and facility managers are faced with. Liability, now from the overuse of deicing salts (e.g. “rock salt” – sodium chloride), is a new challenge that the snow & ice management industry must address head on. Furthermore, the expectations for “green” and “sustainable” alternatives are on the rise.
By Phill Sexton
cost more to implement, case studies have proven multiple economic and environmental benefits when SWiM guidelines are followed, including saving money, managing risk, and reducing salt use. Achieving these results also benefit the environment and your reputation.
3) P revent: Bonding of snow and ice, waste, re-work, and safety incidents
Although over 100 criteria must be met for properties or highway departments to earn SWiM certification, the broad criteria of policies are easily available to follow. These straightforward categories of policy enable standards of practice for in-house, contracted, or municipal operations.
6) Optimize: Equipment, materials, time, and data
4) A nalyze: Level of Service (LOS), data, and variances 5) I mprove: Safety, level of service, productivity
Proof
Several pilots and proof case studies analyzed SWiM® certified SITES™ and ROADS™ over the past Numerous research studies validate three winter seasons (2017/2018 to that most non-point source chloride 2019/2020). Researchers with the contamination of freshwater aquifers Rochester Institute of Technology originate from parking surfaces (RIT) and the NY State Pollution and local roads. Therefore, facility Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) managers and winter management assessed SWiM program results operators or contractors need to for a multi-location retail property be prepared for future regulations owner located in the snow belt and liability linked to their use of region of Syracuse, NY. These de-icing salts to control slippery results validate significant cost, winter conditions on properties risk, and environmental benefits. and roadways. Furthermore, there For example, two sets of retail store are numerous proof case studies properties owned by the same that confirm public and private Policy company, with the same level of organizations alike can save big on service (LOS) expectations, virtually Policy The six categories of SWiM policy salt and their budgets. The six categories of SWiM policy standards include; the same parking space footprint, standards include; 1) Measure: You must measure to improve, particularly salt and time outputs and location only a few miles from The Sustainable Winter Management 2) Calibrate: Equipment capacity, manpower, response times, salt, and other materials 1) Measure: You must measure to each other is compared. In the (SWiM) program guidelines 3) Prevent: Bonding of snow and ice, waste, re-work, and safety incidents improve, particularly salt and time www.witadvisers/swim, are 4) Analyze: Level of Service (LOS), data, and variances following case study table, there outputs was one set of stores who followed readily available for snow and 5) Improve: Safety, level of service, productivity 2) Calibrate: Equipment capacity, SWiM guidelines and one set who ice management operators and 6) Optimize: Equipment, materials, time, and data manpower, response times, salt, did not follow the guidelines which is facility managers to follow. Unlike and other materials compared. sustainability initiatives that typically Proof 18
Several pilots and proof case studies analyzed SWiM® certified SITES™ and ROADS™ over the ISSUE 2 – 2020 | SNOW MANAGER past three winter seasons (2017/2018 to 2019/2020). Researchers with the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and the NY State Pollution Prevention Institute (NYSP2I) assessed SWiM program results for a multi-location retail property owner located in the snow belt region of
CASE STUDY: Case study of SWiM-certified parking lots compared with noncertified parking lots. View the RIT / NYSP2I case study at https://tinyurl.com/rit-nysp2 Furthermore, a full life cycle assessment suggests the SWiM program more efficiently services parking lots, as seen by a 50 per cent reduction in salting trips on average, as compared to stores serviced by traditional plowing and salting methods. These results proved a greater than 50 per cent reduction of energy usage and global warming potential on average. You can view the RIT / NYSP2I case study here: https://tinyurl.com/rit-nysp2
SWiM site certified – Retail proof case
and no landscape damage 32 $367.15 N Slip & fall 2 o incidents CASE STUDY: Case study of SWiM-certified parking lots increased No. of Cost per 32 SWiM Other Factors Ye $286.32 No increase in slip Parking Parking 7 Certified? s & fall incidents Spaces Space 884 $365.72 No Landscape damage replacements exceeded $25k (due to salt damage) Furthermore, a full life cycle assessment suggests the SWiM program more efficiently services 832 $271.29 Yes Slip & fall incidents decreased and no landscape damage parking lots, as seen by a 50 per cent reduction in salting trips on average, as compared to stores serviced by traditional plowing and salting methods. These results proved a greater than 322 $367.15 No Slip & fall incidents increased 50 per cent reduction of energy usage and global warming potential on average. 327 $286.32 Yes No increase in slip & fall incidents You can view the RIT / NYSP2I case study here: https://tinyurl.com/rit-nysp2
Well-known grocery chain and retail sustainability leader Wegmans Food Markets piloted the SWiM certification guidelines for three seasons before deciding to expand the SWiM program Normalized Cumulative Energy Demand & Global Warming Potential when comparing SWiM chain wide. A summary of their results includes a net projected annual savings of nearly half a and Non-SWiM sites million dollars; reduced carbon footprint equivalent to over 1,500 cars being taken off the road annually; and, saving over one-billion gallons of fresh drinking water from being polluted. SWiM site certified – Retail proof case
Well-known grocery chain and retail sustainability leader Wegmans Food Markets piloted the SWiM certification guidelines for three seasons before deciding to expand the SWiM program chain wide. A summary of their results includes a net projected annual savings of nearly half a million dollars; reduced carbon footprint equivalent to over 1,500 cars being taken off the road annually; and, saving over one-billion gallons of fresh drinking water from being polluted.
SWiM ROAD certified – Municipal proof case A public private partnership between the Fund for Lake George and WIT Advisers enabled the SWiM ROAD certification guidelines to be implemented by highway departments who perform snow and ice management services throughout the Lake George, NY watershed basin. To date, three municipalities in the Lake George basin have earned the SWiM ROAD certification, including the SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca
standards of policy are consistent Town of Hague, NY, who’s proof case SWiM ROAD certified – Municipal proof case results include saving this small-town for developing a Sustainable Winter A public private partnership between the Fund for Lake George and WIT Advisers enabled the tax base over $66,000 in annual snow Management (SWiM) program. SWiM ROAD certification guidelines to be implemented by highway departments who perform and ice management expenses, and Following SWiM guidelines in snow and ice management services throughout the Lake George, NY watershed basin. To date, has saved nearly 170 million gallons three municipalities in the Lake George basin have earned the SWiM ROAD certification, their proper order and holding ofincluding the Town of Hague, NY, who’s proof case results include saving this small-town tax Lake George from being polluted maintenance operations accountable base over $66,000 in annual snow and ice management expenses, and has saved nearly 170 annually. to continuously implement the SWiM million gallons of Lake George from being polluted annually. standards of practices are important
Whether the site, road, or sidewalk setting is that of retail, commercial office, public or private, the
to manage for achieving similar results and benefits. 19
To learn more about Sustainable These articles further discuss To learn more about Sustainable Winter Management (SWiM™), SWiM policies, methodologies and Winter Management (SWiM®) please email Phill Sexton at environmental stewardship through guidelines you can implement in your psexton@witadvisers.com, or visit the lens of sustainability as it applies snow and ice management operation, www.witadvisers.com/swim. ■ to winter management. visit the SWiM article series at witadvisers.us/articles/. Phill Sexton has worked as a snow and ice management professional for over 30 years. He is managing director of WIT Advisers who serve as industry advisers for SIMA and administers the SWiM program and certifications.
ISSUE 2 – 2020 | SNOW MANAGER 20 Whether the site, road, or sidewalk setting is that of retail, commercial office, public or private,
The increased risk of shoveling snow in the post-COVID world
I
t’s long been known that shoveling snow can be a dangerous activity for those with underlying health problems, or people who are not in peak physical condition. Figures suggest that more than 11,000 people per year are hospitalized for snowshoveling-related medical issues, ranging from sprains to full-on cardiovascular events. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, these concerns have come to the fore in a big way. While still relatively young, the virus has naturally garnered more research attention than any disease in recent history. Dollars, both public and private have been pouring in. This has helped scientists discover that, far from a common flu or cold, COVID-19 may in fact be a cardiovascular disease, with the potential to cause lasting damage to tissue extending far past the point of initial recovery for some. With scary terms like “Cytokine Storm” and “Myocarditis”, as well as an increased risk of heart attacks, blood clots, and strokes being associated to the disease, it’s clear that doctors and scientists are very concerned about the long-term impact on the cardiovascular system this disease may be having.
doctor very closely. The world is in a state of unknown, and it extends even as far as the neighbourhood driveways and sidewalks outside our front doors. Below we have additional info and some tips that can help.
For those who find themselves fortunate enough to be on the outside of the growing population who have contracted this devastating disease, it’s still absolutely critical to understand the intense physical strain
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The research findings are constantly evolving, and it will take years to know the true impact COVID-19 has on a person’s body. But given the very concerning initial findings, it’s crucial that COVID-recovered individuals take extreme precautions when considering any intense physical activity and coordinate with their SNOW MANAGER | www.snowmanager.ca
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of shoveling snow, and to be aware of
will result in a person lifting and
the warning signs of cardiovascular
removing hundreds of pounds of snow
distress, as well as the things they can
across a 20- to 30-minute period. This
do to prevent injury or death while
is hardly comparable to sweeping the
doing it.
kitchen or cleaning the bathroom, but
Shoveling snow is a physically demanding exercise. It’s much closer
many view it as the exact same sort of task.
to a full workout than it is to your
Preparation is key. Treat the task
average household task. The chore-
as you would any workout – warm
like nature of the work can often lull
up beforehand by stretching or
people into a false sense of the actual
exercising lightly. Keep yourself
effort involved. But consider that on
bundled up to avoid hypothermia and
average, a single shovel full of wet
to prevent your heart having to work
snow can be more than 10 pounds. Put
as hard to keep your body warm. Lift
into perspective, this means that even
smaller scoops of snow to lessen the
a common four-to-six car driveway
exertion required while preventing
strains. And as tempting as it might seem, this is not a household chore to do after you’ve had a drink or two. Studies suggest that alcohol before physical exertion can be bad for heart health, and the warm sensation it provides can lead to hypothermia and overexertion. It’s also important to know the warning signs of a cardiovascular event, and monitor for them closely if you choose to shovel snow yourself: Pain, tightness, or discomfort in your chest, whether sharp or sustained; shortness of breath; cold sweat, and anxiety are all signs that you may need to stop shoveling and consult a physician or call 911. For those who have recovered from COVID-19 or are in an at-risk group, it may be best to consider skipping the task altogether and hiring a local company to take care of the snow shoveling for you. There are several apps, such as Eden, which allow for you to schedule on-demand snow removal every time it snows over a certain amount. By using these, you can prevent slip-and-fall liability, potential violations from your city or HOA, and keep your driveway and sidewalks clear without incurring the potential health risks. The world is a little scarier now, with more risks than were anticipated even six months ago. But with a little preparation, or help from an outside company, the risks of snow shoveling don’t have to join that list. ■
PLEASE RECYCLE
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ISSUE 2 – 2020 | SNOW MANAGER
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