Snow can be a beautiful addition to your town when it accumulates, but it also introduces a number of hazards, especially on walkways. The commercial landscaping professionals at GMG General in Anchorage, AK, advise that it’s important to pay attention to your safety, as well as to your property and to passersby. Slip and fall incidents are a primary cause of winter injury, as well as personal injury lawsuits, so familiarize yourself with hazards to watch out for when clearing walkways of snow and ice.

3 Winter Safety Tips for Walkways

1. Clear Carefully

Whether you’re removing ice from your driveway or from commercial landscaping outside of your business, it’s crucial to do so safely. Always dress accordingly: you should wear ice shoes, safety goggles, and warm clothes. These will protect you from debris and the elements. Pay constant attention to your positioning over the snow blower, as catching a foot or hand in the blades will result in serious injury. You may want to consider hiring professionals if it’s your first time.

2. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings

If you’re clearing snow and ice in a public place, always be aware of anyone passing by, including vehicles. They’re subject to injury, which could result in a lawsuit. If possible, try to clear the snow early in the morning or late at night when fewer people are out. Temporarily close off your portion of the sidewalk as well if city laws allow you to.

3. Know Your Landscape

If you’re clearing snow on your commercial landscaping, make sure you’re aware of what’s beneath it. You may damage your snow blower by running over frozen foliage, or worse, send it flying at buildings. If you’re not careful, you can also cause significant damage to your property, so make sure you’re familiar with the lay of the land before starting.

The best way to handle snow removal is through professionals, so turn to the staff at GMG General. They offer comprehensive commercial landscaping maintenance services, as well as road construction and repair, and bring almost 30 years of experience to the job. Call (907) 349-7854 to speak with their staff and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their services.