Snow Plowing Safety Tips

Snow plow operators have a very important job that must be taken seriously. They are responsible for clearing the roads of snow and ice to make them safe for everyone else to travel on. In the process of performing their job, they must also adhere to several safety protocols to ensure that no accidents occur while making the roads safe again.

There are three main steps that every snow plow driver or company needs to follow to maintain the safety of the drivers and other individuals on the roads.

1. Follow Snow Plow Operations
1. Drivers should be trained in standard operating procedures. This should include becoming familiar with snow plow routes before the winter season as well as participating in training each year to make sure the driver is fully up to date on all procedures.
2. Snow trucks and other equipment must be road ready before the season starts, and each truck should have preventative maintenance ready, such as Levan Machine and Truck Equipment, in case of breakdowns.
3. All snow plow drivers should get the correct amount of rest to avoid being tired in bad weather conditions, which could impact their safety and quality of work.
4. All snow plow drivers should avoid drug and alcohol usage.
2. All Snow Plow Drivers Should Use Defensive Driving Techniques.
1. driver should keep their hands ant 10 and 2 positions on the steering wheel in case of evasive maneuvering.
2. Be aware of what is happening down the road in order to be prepared.
3. Keep eyes moving in order to see what is happening on all areas of the road.
4. Do not become boxed in and avoid having other drivers in blind spots.
5. Keep lights and beacons in proper working condition to make sure other drivers can spot you on the road.
3. Safety Is Important
1.  Use 3-point contact method when climbing into the cab of a truck to avoid slips and falls in icy weather.
2. Where a seat belt at all times.
3. Walk around snow plow truck to check all mirrors and lights. Always make adjustments before getting out on the road.
4. Avoid unnecessary backing up procedures when possible, and always be aware of the 80 to 90 feet of dead space that is not visible behind the snow plow truck.

Source: http://lhtac.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Winter-Maintenance-Activities-Snow-Plowing-Safety-Tips-for-Your-Drivers-Vol-18-No-5.pdf

Since 1936, Levan Machine & Truck Equipment has provided truck equipment such as snowplows, spreaders, liftgates, central hydraulic systems, and PTO’s, as well as general truck repair and maintenance to the greater Reading Pennsylvania area.  Levan Machine & Truck Equipment is an approved vendor for the Pennsylvania Costars municipal purchasing program (Contract #025-072).