The Hidden Costs of Inadequate Snow Removal: Protecting Your Bottom Line

When snow hits hard and unexpectedly, the consequences for businesses go beyond slippery sidewalks and plowed-in parking lots. For multi-site facility managers, even one day of operational downtime due to inadequate snow and ice removal can cost thousands in lost sales, safety claims, and brand reputation. But the real risk is that it often preventable—with the right plan and partners, much of that disruption can be avoided. 

Business Interruptions Add Up Fast 
Every hour of lost accessibility translates to missed revenue. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, approximately $1.2 billion per day is lost nationwide when winter weather disrupts commerce. For a retail chain or distribution center, even partial closure can mean delayed deliveries, un-shopped aisles, or unusable loading docks.
 
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) also reports that winter storms cause more than $3 billion in damages annually, not including lost productivity or opportunity costs for businesses. 

Liability Risks from Slips, Trips, and Falls 
Snow-covered walkways don’t just hinder operations—they create significant legal and financial exposure. The National Floor Safety Institute reports that slips and falls account for over 1 million emergency room visits each year in the U.S., with average claims ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 per incident. For facility managers overseeing dozens or hundreds of locations, the potential for one uncovered site to result in a costly lawsuit is a daily reality. 

The Real Cost of Scrambling 
Without a snow partner already in place, the scramble to source vendors last-minute not only costs time but leads to higher rates, limited availability, and inconsistent service. According to a report from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, reactive snow removal can be 30%–40% more expensive than proactive, contract-based service. Not to mention the cost in management hours when facilities teams are chasing down availability during the middle of a storm. 

Protecting Your Bottom Line Starts with a Better Plan 
Inadequate snow removal isn’t just a nuisance—it’s a threat to your business continuity, team safety, and customer experience. But with the right partner and plan in place, snow doesn’t have to be disruptive. 

Lessen’s Snow and Ice Management (SIM) program is built for multi-location operators who need visibility, reliability, and speed. Our One by Lessen™ platform combines 24/7 storm tracking, automated vendor dispatch, and real-time reporting to keep your operations up and running—no matter what winter brings. 

Backed by a nationwide network of vetted providers and centralized service management, Lessen helps you turn the snow season from a liability into a competitive advantage. 

Ready to protect your bottom line before the snow hits? Learn more about our SIM solutions.