Winter Weather Preparation for Building Owners and Fleets

This post is part of a series sponsored by IAT Insurance Group.

Winter weather is just around the corner. To reduce the risk of hazards, winter preparation is essential. Now is the time for building mangers to ready their premises and for drivers to winterize and equip their vehicles for winter driving conditions. Now is also a great time for fleet managers to remind drivers of safe driving techniques during winter conditions.

As weather-related risks head our way, building owners and facility managers should review safety policies and procedures, update incident response plans and ready their premises. Here are some steps to do just that:

Before driving in adverse weather conditions, all drivers should perform the following safety checks and measures on their vehicles:

• Check tire treads and pressure, as worn tires cause many vehicle accidents — especially in wet, snowy or icy conditions.
• Make sure the defrost, heat and windshield wipers are working and anti-freeze is filled.
• Keep the fuel level above half a tank.
• Maintain an emergency kit inside the vehicle that includes a shovel, heavy blanket, flashlight, batteries, snacks, water, gloves, boots, ice scraper, and jumper cables.
• Have tire chains ready if you are in an area where snow is common or chains are mandated by law. Drivers should know how to install the chains before they are needed, so a quick reminder/training session in your next safety meeting may be in order.

When transporting loads in adverse weather conditions, fleets should encourage their drivers to do the following:

Some additional recommendations include closely following the forecast, checking the latest travel condition information on the National Highway Administration’s “511” hotline, identifying potential stop areas, and waiting until hazardous conditions pass.

And remember, “No load is worth your life.”

Have a question on how to mitigate risk? Email losscontroldirect@iatinsurance.com for a chance to see your question answered in a future blog.

By Nick Martin and Jared Fritts

[1] The Washington Post “There are about 1.7 million year-end collisions on U.S. roads each year. Here’s how to stop them,” June 8, 2015.

[2] Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration “CMV Driving Tips – Too Fast for Conditions,” February 11, 2015.