Clear Paths, Trusted Access: Proactive Snow and Ice Removal Strategies for Financial Institutions

Winter weather presents more than a comfort challenge for financial institutions; it poses a serious operational and reputational risk. Snow and ice can obstruct branch entryways, limit ADA accessibility, create slip hazards, and deter customer visits. For banks, credit unions, and other financial services providers, an unsafe or inaccessible location can disrupt operations, erode trust, or even run afoul of regulatory standards. Proactive snow and ice management is essential to keeping branches open, clients safe, and services uninterrupted during the harshest months.

Accessibility as a Business Imperative

A clear path to the door isn’t just a courtesy—it’s essential for client confidence and seamless operations. Adverse weather is well documented to reduce customer visits across many industries, and for financial institutions, untreated snow and ice can make clients less likely to visit a branch or use on-site services. Clients facing icy sidewalks or blocked parking areas may postpone essential financial tasks, delaying revenue for the institution and undermining trust in its reliability. Ensuring safe access to branches, ATMs, and drive-through lanes signals professionalism and stability.

Safety and Liability Considerations

Slip-and-fall incidents remain a leading cause of injuries on commercial properties. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, weather-related conditions were a factor in 100 workplace fatalities in 2023, with 45 directly tied to ice, sleet, snow, or hail. The CDC estimates that medical costs for fall-related injuries among older adults alone total $50 billion annually.

For financial institutions, incidents on-site not only pose legal and insurance risks but can also damage hard-earned community reputation. Consistent snow and ice removal including salting, sanding, and spot treatments, help mitigate hazards while demonstrating a clear commitment to client and employee well-being.

Around-the-Clock Access Matters

Unlike other industries that operate within fixed hours, financial institutions must often provide 24/7 access to ATMs, night deposit boxes, and vestibules. This makes snow and ice management more complex as conditions must remain safe beyond the standard business day. Programs that include pretreatment before storms, plus rapid-response crews who can return as conditions change, are essential to maintaining uninterrupted client access.

Site-Specific Challenges in Financial Services

Snow and ice create unique challenges for financial institutions that extend beyond general property clearing:

• Drive-up lanes must stay open and safe for both customers and armored transport vehicles.
• ATM and vestibule areas require slip-free access at all hours.
• Sidewalks and ADA ramps must be prioritized to ensure compliance with accessibility regulations.

Targeted measures like heated entry mats, anti-slip treatments, and proactive deicing at high-touchpoints help keep access consistent and safe across all branches.

Lessen’s Role in Winter-Ready Financial Institutions

Lessen streamlines snow and ice management for financial institutions by connecting them with a vetted network of snow and ice management providers. The One by Lessen™ platform offers:

• Real-time visibility into vendor performance and service status
• Seamless communication between facilities teams and providers
• Advanced weather intelligence to anticipate storms before they strike

Whether it's clearing lots before the morning rush or keeping access paths safe for after-hours ATM users, Lessen helps institutions maintain continuity and trust—no matter the forecast.

Keep your branches accessible and your clients confident this winter. Explore Lessen’s snow and ice removal services.

‍