Yard safety matters for snow management crews

This material was adapted from SIMA’s Safety1st Role-focused training program .

The moment you step into the company yard, the snow removal shift begins. The company marshalling yard is a high-traffic area with unique hazards, especially during night and low-visibility conditions. Prioritizing safety here is just as critical as on sites or routes. Read some quick highlights and see a simple quiz you can ask team members about to ensure yard safety is standardized!

Essential Yard Safety Practices 

Visibility in the yard is non-negotiable: Always wear high-visibility personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing when in the yard.

Also encourage teams to follow these simple rules:

Avoid travel paths

Don’t walk in common vehicle travel routes. Stay vigilant by listening and watching for engine and machinery noises, since moving equipment and trucks cannot stop quickly.

Observe your surroundings

Actively look for misplaced objects, uneven pavement, drainage issues, shaded icy spots, or any obstacles. Immediately identify and note these hazards.

Extra caution at night/early AM

When working at night or dark, stick to established walking paths, not driving areas. Your high-vis gear helps ensure you are seen by vehicle headlights and strobe lights.

Entrance/exit vigilance

Use heightened caution at the entrances and exits since vehicles and equipment are constantly moving in and out.

Safe handling of deicers and equipment

The yard is where you load up—take precautions to prevent slips, strains, and accidents. Whether loading snowblowers or shovels into the trailer, or adding bagged salt to the back of a truck, follow proper lifting and safety procedures. For objects exceeding 50 pounds (like bags of ice melt), always use team lifting with two people to avoid muscle strains and injuries.

Deicer spills and cleanup

When picking up and transporting materials like granular or liquid anti-icing products, wear the right PPE. Immediately clean up any spills of deicing products to eliminate hazards.

Plow attaching and detaching

When helping to mount or dismount snowplows, use spotters and helpers to perform the task safely and be aware of moving trucks and proximity to barriers.

Your experience with walkway maintenance means you should be able to resolve many hazards promptly. Direct any questions or concerns to your immediate supervisor!

Quiz yourself and your team