Snow Removal Compliance Checklist

Removing snow and ice exposes workers to hazards ranging from slips, trips, and falls to carbon monoxide poisoning and cold stress. Here’s a checklist of the safety measures to verify before requiring or allowing workers to engage in snow removal work.

Snow Removal Compliance Checklist

Worksite: ___________________________
Date: _______________________________
Completed by: _______________________
Weather Conditions: ________________

1. Planning & Authorization

Snow removal hazards identified and assessed for this site.
Written snow removal procedures available and current.
Roles and responsibilities clearly assigned.
Only trained and authorized workers assigned.
Roof snow removal prohibited unless formally authorized.
Contractors vetted and coordinated (if applicable).

2. Training & Competency

Workers trained on snow removal hazards and controls.
Equipment operators trained and authorized.
Fall protection training completed where required.
Cold stress and overexertion awareness provided.
Training records documented and available.

3. Slips, Trips, & Falls (Same Level)

Walkways, entrances, and emergency exits prioritized.
Snow and ice removed in a timely manner.
Sand/salt or traction materials applied as needed.
Temporary barriers or warning signage used where hazards remain.
Adequate lighting provided during low visibility or darkness.

4. Falls From Height (Roofs, Elevated Areas)

Roof access controlled and restricted.
Hazard assessment completed before work at height.
Approved fall protection system in place and used.
Safe access/egress provided (winter-rated ladders or platforms).
Skylights, edges, and fragile surfaces identified and protected.

5. Vehicles & Mobile Equipment

Traffic control plan implemented where pedestrians and vehicles interact.
Operators trained and authorized.
Equipment inspected before use.
Backup alarms, lights, and mirrors functional.
Spotters or exclusion zones used where visibility is limited.

6. Manual Snow Shoveling & Ergonomics

Mechanical equipment used where practicable.
Workers instructed on safe shoveling techniques.
Work/rest cycles implemented.
Supervisors monitoring for fatigue or distress.
Workers not assigned beyond reasonable physical limits.

7. Cold Stress & Weather Exposure

Weather and wind chill monitored.
Appropriate winter PPE provided and worn.
Warm-up breaks scheduled as needed.
Heated shelter or warm area available.
Workers trained to recognize cold stress symptoms.

8. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Prevention

Gas-powered equipment not used in enclosed or poorly ventilated areas.
Vehicles not idling near buildings or air intakes.
CO hazards communicated to workers.
Emergency response procedures understood.

9. PPE

Slip-resistant, insulated footwear worn.
High-visibility winter apparel worn.
Insulated gloves and head protection used.
Additional PPE provided as required by hazard assessment.

10. Inspections, Monitoring, & Documentation

Snow removal activities supervised.
Unsafe conditions corrected promptly.
Equipment inspections documented.
Hazards, incidents, and near misses reported.
Records retained to demonstrate due diligence.

Overall Compliance Status

Compliant.
Minor deficiencies (corrected immediately).
Non-compliant (work stopped/corrective action required).

Corrective Actions Required:

Supervisor Signature: _________________________ Date: ___________