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Ice Melt: An Investment for Your Business

woman walking in snow on street

As the winter months get closer and closer, businesses across the country can face a familiar challenge: snow and ice accumulation. While the picturesque snowfall may be admired by some, it can pose a significant threat to some businesses and workplaces. Slippery walkways and parking lots can lead to customer and employee injuries, disrupt operations, and can even damage property.

Fortunately, there is a simple and effective solution to combat these winter woes: ice melt. This blog post will explore the various benefits of ice melt for businesses and explain why it can be a crucial investment for ensuring a safe and smooth winter season.

What is Ice Melt and How Does it Work?

Ice melt, also known as de-icer, is a chemical compound that lowers the freezing point of water. This means that when it’s applied to snow and ice, it causes them to melt at lower temperatures than they normally would. So when it’s freezing outside and the sidewalks and parking lot froze over, spreading ice melt on those surfaces can help get rid of the ice faster.

There are various types of ice melt available, each with its own unique properties and benefits. Some of the common types include:

  • Rock salt (sodium chloride): This is the most common and affordable ice melt, but it can damage concrete and vegetation overtime.
  • Calcium chloride: This option melts ice faster than rock salt, but it can be more corrosive to metal surfaces.
  • Magnesium chloride: This is more of a pet and environmentally friendly option, but it can be more expensive than other types.

Having ice melt available at your place of work can bring many benefits to customers, patients, employees, students, and anyone else who may enter the building. Here are some of the key benefits of using ice melt for businesses:

1. It can Reduce the Risk of Slips and Falls

Slips and falls can be a significant concern during winter, especially for places with high foot traffic like retail stores, schools, and doctors’ offices. Ice melt can significantly reduce the risk of accidents by creating safe and slip-resistant surfaces. This can lead to fewer injuries, decreased liability costs, and a more positive customer experience.

2. It can help Maintain Business Operations

Slippery sidewalks and parking lots can disrupt business operations, leading to lost productivity and revenue. Ice melt can help to ensure that your business remains accessible to customers and employees, even during harsh winter weather.

3. It can Protect Property

Ice and snow can cause damage to sidewalks, parking lots, and other outdoor surfaces overtime. By preventing snow and ice from accumulating, ice melt can help to protect your property from potential damage and save you money on costly repairs.

4. Ice Melt can Save Time and Money

Manually clearing snow and ice can be time-consuming and expensive. Ice melt can be applied quickly and effectively, saving businesses time and money on snow removal efforts.

5. It can Improve Accessibility

Ice melt can make your business more accessible to customers with disabilities or to those who have difficulty walking on slippery surfaces. This can lead to increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.

6. It can help Reduce Environmental Impact

While some ice melts can be harmful to the environment, there are now several eco-friendly options available. These ice melts are made from natural ingredients and pose minimal risk to plants and animals. Here are some of the environmentally friendly ice melt options that W.B. Mason offer

Just like other decisions in the workplace, choosing an ice melt to use can be an important decision for some businesses. When choosing an ice melt for your business, it can be important to consider the following factors:

  • The type of surface you will be applying it to: Different surfaces require different types of ice melt. For example, you will need a different type of ice melt for concrete than you would for wood.
  • The amount of traffic the area receives: If you have a high-traffic area, you will need a more potent ice melt that will last longer.
  • The environmental impact: Choosing an ice melt that is environmentally friendly won’t harm plants or animals like other options do.

Ice melt can be a valuable tool for businesses, especially if you experience harsh weather during the winter months. It can help to prevent accidents, maintain business operations, protect property, and save time and money. Investing in ice melt can help ensure that your business remains safe and accessible throughout the winter season.

References

Bob Vila. The Dos and Don’ts of Using Ice Melt. (https://www.bobvila.com/articles/dos-and-donts-of-using-ice-melt/) Accessed December 11, 2023.

Medium. Exploring the Benefits of Ice Melt: How It Works and Why It’s Important. (https:// medium.com/@gaiaenterprises/exploring-the-benefits-of-ice-melt-how-it-works-and-why-its-important-b876ea0ec579) Accessed December 12, 2023.