Ensuring Building Safety During Snowy Weather Conditions
- Andrew Ohlinger
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Snow introduces a sequence of risks that begin well before a storm arrives and can persist for days or even weeks afterward.
Snowfall is one of the most predictable hazards a facility will face, yet it continues to be a leading contributor to injuries, property damage, and operational disruption. One of the most common mistakes in building operations is treating snow as a short-term event rather than an ongoing condition.
Effective winter safety management requires planning, situational awareness, and follow-through. It is not about reacting to weather—it is about managing risk across every phase of a snow event.
Before the Snowstorm: Preparation Determines Performance
The outcome of a snow event is largely determined before the first accumulation occurs. Facilities that struggle during storms are often reacting in real time, while those that perform well are executing a plan that was already in place.
Preparation means confirming that people, equipment, and processes are ready. Snow removal contracts should be reviewed for scope and response expectations, de-icing materials should be stocked, and equipment should be inspected and fueled. Just as important, priority areas should be clearly identified so resources are directed to the most critical locations first.
At a minimum, pre-storm planning should ensure:
Emergency exits, fire lanes, and ADA routes are clearly defined and prioritized
Roof drainage paths and known ice-dam locations are understood
Staffing and call-in procedures are confirmed
Communication plans are established for prolonged or severe events
Preparation reduces decision-making under pressure and significantly lowers both safety risk and operational disruption.
During the Storm: Focus on Risk Control, Not Perfection
Once snowfall begins, the objective shifts from preparation to active risk management. Attempting to maintain perfectly clear conditions during an ongoing storm is rarely realistic and often unsafe. The priority should always be life safety and operational continuity, not aesthetics.
During active snowfall, attention should remain on maintaining safe egress routes, primary entrances, and emergency access points. Conditions such as drifting snow, freezing rain, and rapid temperature changes should be continuously monitored, as they can quickly negate previous efforts.
Equally important is documentation. Tracking when areas were cleared, treated, and inspected provides clarity for internal teams and protection from liability should an incident occur.
Winter conditions are dynamic, and safety decisions must adapt as the environment changes.
Once the Snowfall Stops: Where Risk Often Peaks
The period immediately following a storm is frequently the most dangerous. Snow removal may be complete, but hazards remain—often in less obvious forms.
Meltwater can refreeze overnight, compacted snow can harden into ice, and secondary walkways may have been overlooked during active operations.
Post-storm efforts should shift toward identifying and correcting residual hazards, including:
Refreeze conditions near entrances and building edges
Accumulated snow around doors and loading areas
Ice formation on stairs, ramps, and handrails
Roof edge conditions that may lead to falling ice
This phase is where complacency can set in, yet it is also where many slip-and-fall incidents occur. A deliberate post-storm inspection is essential to closing the loop on storm response.
The Days After: Snow as a Lingering Hazard
Snow rarely leaves a site all at once. In the days following a storm, hazards often become less visible but no less dangerous.
Shaded areas may remain icy, drains may become blocked as snow melts, and roof loads can continue to stress structural components.
Facilities should continue monitoring conditions as long as snow remains on the property. Ice buildup, pooling water, and delayed equipment impacts can all emerge after normal operations have resumed. Treating snow as a “past event” too early is a common and costly mistake.
Winter Safety Is a Continuous Process
Snow management is not a single task or a one-day effort. It is a process that extends from preparation through long-term monitoring. Facilities that manage winter conditions effectively prioritize people over appearances, allocate resources based on risk, and remain disciplined even after the urgency of the storm has passed.
When snow is on the ground, safety is still in play. The most effective facilities recognize that winter risk management does not end when the plows leave—it ends when the hazards are truly gone.
Need Assistance?
If you require further information or help, please don't hesitate to reach out. Email us at acohlinger@gmail.com for support!
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