It’s the middle of winter.  It’s cold outside, really cold.  After last night’s snowfall, the last thing you want to do is get in the car and drive to the office.  Staying home isn’t an option or you will miss the presentation you are giving to your colleagues and your manager.  If you are reading this in the spring, summer, or even fall you might be laughing at this article’s relevance to your current season.  No matter, it will get cold, and it will snow at some point. That snow will freeze on the ground, walkways and sidewalks will get slick, and roads will be dangerous.  Though you can’t control the weather, you can prepare for it.

There are many reasons to use Rock Salt or Ice Melt.  Consider just these few as you decide how to safely prepare your workplace for winter.

Traction

Ice Melt and Rock Salt do wonders by increasing traction when walking and driving.  The crystalline structure of Rock Salt is very beneficial to increased traction on treated roadways to reduce the incidence of car accidents.  As vehicles drive on treated roadways, the friction of the tires on the roadway creates additional heat that amplifies the melting process.

Visibility

Ice Melt blends with dye are easily seen after application.  The dye coloration gives a visual cue that allows you to adjust application rates higher or lower depending on the situation.  Once applied, the dye is visible to anyone walking or driving over the treated area and can alert them to the dangerous situation on the ground.  

Slip and Fall Prevention

Ice Melt and Rock Salt will reduce slip and fall injuries.  In 2014, the Department of Labor recognized over 42,000 work related injuries related to ice, sleet, or snow.  Each of those injured workers needed an average of 9 days to recover from the injury.  The losses in productivity from slip and fall accidents on ice and snow are staggering.  

Legal Liability

Your business has a legal obligation to ensure healthy and safe working conditions.  Ice Melt or Rock Salt application is a crucial first step during snowy and icy conditions.  As employees, customers, and guests enter your buildings. It is also crucial to ensure that the floors are dry and slip resistant by using matting and proper floor coatings.  Skipping Ice Melt or Rock Salt applications to save a few dollars now may cost you an arm and a leg in the long run!  Remember, preventative safety is easier and more affordable than reacting to problems after incidents occur.

So is using Ice Melt or Rock Salt in your response to snow and ice necessary?  The answer is ABSOLUTELY. Ice Melt and Rock Salt are the best practices to melt snow and ice.  The question of which product to use is determined by the surface type, the temperature at the time of application, and your budget.  The experts at Action Unlimited Resources are happy to help you find the right product for your needs.

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.