Snowplow drivers maintain roads, parking lots, and properties inabitable during winter ice and snow. But behind that basic service is a singular portfolio of dangers, hazards that can touch safety, finances, and long-term operations. Knowing the 5 common risks for snow plow operators enables companies to plan better, reduce exposure, and react when things hit the fan.
This guide outlines the most common areas of risk that snowplow operators encounter, and explains why awareness is as important as preparation.
1. Slip-and-Fall Liability Claims
Slip-and-fall incidents are one of the most frequent snow removal risks. And even in those cases when plowing and de-icing occur as planned, the surface can change extremely rapidly with varying weather conditions.
Complaints frequently come out hours or days after the provision of a service, and proving what something looked like at the time is hard. Defending your rights, reputation, and freedom in the absence of reliable documentation and liability protection can be expensive; simply covering legal defense costs can seem headache-inducing. This is a risk for most commercial or residential site snow plow operators' service.
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2. Vehicle Accidents and On-Road Exposure
Snow plow trucks are on the road for many hours during poor visibility and icy roads. There are collisions, slide-offs, and other vehicular damage every day. Using anything heavy makes an accident more likely and also more severe. High-pressure schedules and fatigue can raise the stakes even higher during major storms. But vehicle incidents can also result in claims for injuries, third-party property damages, and extended downtime.
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3. Property Damage During Plowing Operations
Snow removal technology is often confined within tight spaces with curbs, parked cars, signage, and landscape edging. Even the most skilled operators can inadvertently damage equipment while operating it.
Property damage claims may involve:
- Scraped curbs or sidewalks
- Damaged vehicles
- Broken fixtures or structures
These may seem like minor issues on their own, but such claims add up quickly and can drain business resources over the course of a season.
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4. Equipment Breakdown and Mechanical Failure
Snow plow operations are harsh working conditions. On your higher mileage vehicle, cold temperature, condensation, and wear on the mechanical parts are contributors to failure. Storm-related breakdowns can cause missed service windows, contract disputes, and increased liability if sites are not cleared when they should be. The replacement expenses and the unproductive time can help to reduce profit during a peak season.
Preventive maintenance can play a role, but risk from equipment is never eliminated.
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5. Contractual and Compliance Risks
Most of the snowplow operators have service contracts that describe duties, schedules, and liability. Misinterpretation or negligence of contract clauses can cause liability even when the work is performed properly.
Common contractual risks include:
- Unclear scope of services
- Unfavorable indemnification clauses
- Insurance requirements are not being met
- Service time and circumstances disputes
Local requirements and document maintenance expectations are also a factor. If a claim or dispute does occur, poorly documented evidence could weaken defenses.
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Why Managing These Risks Matters
The 5 typical hazards faced by snow plow drivers are not separate entities. They are stacked and compounded, particularly during severe weather events. There can be multiple issues, including legal, financial, and operational, stemming from a single incident.
Understanding such hazards enables the operators to:
- Improve operational planning
- Strengthen documentation practices
- Match the insurance to the exposure
- Minimize surprises in audit or claims
Risk consciousness isn’t about anticipating problems; it’s about getting ready for them when they occur.
Final Thoughts for Snow Plow Operators
Snow plowing will always be a risky thing to do, but unmanaged risk is what causes long-term damage. By identifying the primary areas of exposurem from slip-and-fall claims to equipment breakdowns and contract disputes, operators can report those exposures early, manage litigation, claim resolution, and do their best to defend their bottom line.
For a stormy season of no surprises, preparation and consistency are key. The first step to controlling the risks is recognizing them. For further insurance clarification custom-made to businesses focused on snow plowing, Summit Insurance continues to be the go-to source.
