Pub. 2 2020 Issue 6

The indirect effects of winter weather are also a factor. These factors include school delays and closings, post- ponement of meetings, and disruption of normal business operations. When employees’ attention is taken away from the organization and shifted to the pressing needs of the day, employee engagement and productivity take a hit. Preparing your business for winter weather In New Hampshire, we are all aware of the inherent risks associated with winter weather, and we have the ability to plan for, mitigate, and even eliminate the risks our employ- ees and businesses encounter. Step 1: Assess your risks Below is a list of some of the potential winter weather haz- ards your employees and business will face: • Unsafe driving conditions • Slip and fall on ice injuries • Seasonal illnesses • Frostbite • Power outages • School delays and closures • Structural stress and damage to buildings As a company, the focus should be on forming an action plan and communicating with employees in regards to each risk. Step 2: Who is responsible? • Preparation is key. The time to figure out who is respon- sible is not in the midst or after the fact. Having answers to the questions below prior to a winter weather event will keep your business ahead of the “storm.” º W ho needs to ensure the parking lot is safe and drivable? º Who will track winter weather activity and com- municate winter weather-related information to employees? º Assemble a “Winter Weather Preparedness team” involving all departments (HR, Facilities, Sales, Service, etc.) and clearly outline roles and responsibilities • As an employer, you are responsible for the health and safety of all of your employees. It is your com- pany’s responsibility to ensure all necessary safety precautions are taken, even if these precautionary measures are taken by a third party. Before the win- ter weather hits, we recommend: º Reviewing all your contracts with vendors º Insurance providers º Property managers º Landlords This type of preparedness will help eliminate confusion and in-action when it matters most. Step 3: Execution of your plan Now that you have identified the risk factors and established who is responsible for the execution, it is important a specific plan for each “Winter Weather Preparedness” team member be created to help keep everyone on the same page. The NHADA Loss Prevention team has developed a checklist of things you and others must do before, during, and after each winter weather event. This type of prepared- ness will help you identify and obtain any tools or materials needed to keep your employees and customers safe. In addition, the NHADA Loss Prevention staff encourages you to train all employees on the topic of winter safety because even the best plans fall short if everyone is not educated and on the same page. Please contact your NHADA Loss Prevention Representative to discuss the various options of a customized “Slip Fall on Ice Prevention Training.” Don’t let winter weather wreck your bottom line Proper preparation and communication can prevent winter weather from putting your business on ice. For ideas and assistance with establishing a strong winter weather pre- paredness plan please contact the NHADA Loss Prevention Department at 1-800-852-3372 or email Pat Austin at paustin@nhada.com https://www.nhada.com/blog/ winter-weather-preparedness-tips Connecting Customers to your Dealership Effectv, formerly Comcast Spotlight, makes it easy for local dealerships to reach car buyers with timely, relevant messages across all devices. Connect customers to your dealership and deliver your message across 40+ cable networks and online sites. Reach prospective car buyers in the right neighborhoods creating an effective and efficient ad campaign. To learn more please contact: Jeff McDermott at 617-801-5319 or jeffrey_mcdermott@cable.comcast.com , or Mark Kroninger at 617-801-2556 or mark_kroninger@cable.comcast.com. Effectv PlatinumPartner Mark Kroninger Jeff McDermott N E W H A M P S H I R E 13