1) Personal Readiness:
a) Dress properly; winter jacket, gloves, and boots; anticipate the worst possible weather. Have a local map.
b) Bring phone charger, food, coffee, sandwich and other personal items you may need. Bring your own lunch.
c) Maintain directions to our office and our supervisor’s phone numbers in your wallet at all times.
(a) Dispatch phone is 847-947-1480.
d) Leave phone at home on, not the answering machine. Have cell phone with you at all times. We will only call once.
2) Check In & Out Procedures:
a) Report to the shop or your work zone immediately following our phone call. Be prepared to leave your house. Shower and prepare your cooler before you go to sleep.
b) Be sure to check-in and checkout with your supervisor by phone or in person.
c) Remain in our yard immediately after checking in.
d) Get ready to go quickly when we request and make sure you know where you are going and what machine or salter you will be operating.
e) Help us keep our equipment clean and neat.
3) Personal Conduct:
a) Enforcement of the Commandments and the Rules and Regulations are in effect and fines beginning at $50.00 will be issued. Follow the rules.
b) No smoking on, in or around any company equipment, clean out your vehicle at end of shift.
c) No alcohol beverages are to be consumed at anytime while on duty or prior to any snowfall. If we suspect you have consumed alcohol you will be sent home with no pay.
d) No firearms permitted at anytime, irrespective of whether you have a permit.
e) Report any violations to your supervisor immediately.
4) Operational Procedures:
a) Use EXTREME CAUTION at all times. Make sure your Mars light is activated.
b) Do not operate snow plows closer than two (2’) feet of any door.
c) Do not leave your assigned parking lot out without permission of your supervisor.
d) Be sure to pile snow in designated areas only.
e) If you suspect you may be about the run out of fuel, (less than a ¼ tank) advise your supervisor immediately.
f) Take orders only from Snow Systems supervisors. Should a client have a special request, try to assist them right away, and then call your supervisor.
g) Do not take ignition keys to and from equipment.
h) Look back when backing up. Large blades protrude substantially.
i) Do not back-drag with large blades. If you do so, blade will be damaged because of negative angle on cutting edge.
j) Pay attention to the rubber cutting edge. Be careful not to damage the edge by driving over sharp or uneven objects. (manholes, curbs)
k) Select most appropriate gear and maintain the accelerator fully depressed while plowing. Plow trucks are not to plow above 15mph or a safe speed. Tractors 1st or 2nd gear only.
l) Lift the large blade momentarily if you begin to lose traction while plowing.
m) Do not apply excessive down pressure when plowing with tractors, use float.
n) When plowing with large blade, do not contact surface with the cutting edge of your bucket.
o) Do not get stuck. In the event you should be stuck, request help from your supervisor.
p) Large blades will be damaged easily. Be careful not to hit concrete curbs. Know your parking lot.
q) Notify your supervisor of any property damage or personal injuries immediately!!
r) DEF Fluid Procedures: All when loaders and some skidsteers are tier 4 compliant, which means they require DEF fluid. It is your responsibility as an operator to make sure your unit does not run out of DEF fluid- if you are running, low contact your supervisor immediately. When you are shutting down a machine with DEF fluid, you MUST purge the lines when you shut machine down. This takes between 5-15 minutes. If this is not done, the DEF fluid will freeze in the lines and Caterpillar service will have to be called and reset the machine. You will be responsible for these charges (and your paycheck will be deducted accordingly) from Caterpillar if you do not purge the lines or if you allow the machine to run out of DEF fluid. PLEASE do not let this happen!! It is a cost to you, cost to Snow Systems and most importantly it delays the customer in getting serviced!
5) Operation Tips:
a) Do not run engine with the ignition key in the “off” position. (Diesel)
b) Shutting down an engine by using a mechanical shutdown device 1) use this device, 2) place the ignition key in the “off” position and 3) return the shutdown device to the run position.
c) Be sure all electrical accessories and ignition are off when you park your machine. Be sure blades are resting on ground.
d) Put your ignition key in its lock box.
e) Notify your supervisor of any broken lights or any equipment that needs to be repaired. Check fuel status and report to your supervisor.
6) Payments:
a) All payments are ONLY available by enrolling a bank and Direct Deposit.
b) If you are missing ANY paperwork (W9, agreement, applicable training sessions & skills tests) your check(s) will be held until these forms have been received by the office. Prior to any payment being issued to the independent contractor, all forms and certificate of insurance (see enclosed sample) must be received in our office, if applicable.
c) In the event that you need to change any of your banking information, you must contact the office during normal business hours (Mon – Fri, 8am – 3pm). If you do not contact the office and a check needs to be reissued, the operator will pay any and all bank fees.
d) If any equipment or property is damaged negligently, you will be required to pay the expenses to repair this equipment, or pay the deductible which ever amount is less. These amounts will be deducted from your paychecks. By signing below, I am authorizing these deductions to be made if I cause any damage to equipment or property.
e) Please provide your bank information above to enroll in Direct Deposit Payments.
1) PLOWING "DOs"
a) Push snow piles back as far as possible by plowing to the curb and then raising your plow and pushing the pile back over the curb.
b) Run the plow along the curb so the lot is clean, “curb-to-curb”. Watch for protruding curbs and be careful.
c) Always square off corners, unless they are naturally rounded.
d) Inspect the job site when done plowing to check that the job is completely satisfactory.
e) When working near gas meters, stay at least 3 feet away.
f) Cart racks and signs – remove by hand and properly replace back to area when area is clean.
2) PLOWING "DON’Ts"
a) Don’t pile snow in front of or on:
(a) All doorways Shrubbery (especially evergreens)
(b) Loading docks Fire hydrants and sprinkler systems
(c) Sidewalks/steps Buildings
(d) Garage entrances Cars/ motor vehicles
(e) Garbage dumpsters HANDICAP SPACES AND RAMPS
b) Don’t pile any snow at driveway entrances. Yielding traffic must be able to see the oncoming traffic.
c) Don’t push snow across the street or onto medians.
d) Don’t leave trails or clumps of snow.
e) Don’t pile snow in the middle of the parking lot. All snow must go out to the edges.
f) Don’t load snow over fences or push up against them (especially state fences).
g) Don’t use skid pads on plows (unless you are instructed by your Area Manager)
h) Don’t pile snow on islands unless instructed by your Area Manager
i) Don’t push plows against garage doors to fill buckets.
j) Don’t pile snow in a manner that impedes view down any street
k) Avoid placement where thaw/ melt off can run across the parking lot surface
l) It is unacceptable to leave a ride of snow where the sidewalk meets the parking area
3) HAND LABOR "DOs"
a) Wait for snowing to stop before applying chemicals.
b) Blow the snow away from the driveways as much as possible, unless lot has not been plowed yet.
c) If you must blow the snow onto the plowed lot, run the curb line with the blower to ensure there’s no buildup along the curb.
d) Avoid pedestrians and give them the right of way at all times
4) HAND LABOR "DON'Ts"
a) Don’t blow snow onto evergreens or against windows.
b) Don’t blow snow onto plowed lot unless absolutely necessary.
c) Counter weight back of truck – General Rule: you should have enough weight so the truck sits level with the plow in the air.
d) If you get stuck more than once, put snow in the back of your truck for weight.
e) When the snow exceeds 5”, thin it out before “wind rowing”.
f) Maintain your equipment in top condition to prevent breakdowns. Check to make sure your plows are in good working condition early in the season.
g) Keep plows on trucks and loaders at all times during the season because nobody can truly predict the weather.
5) SALTING DO's and DON'Ts
a) I will do my pre check around my vehicle to make sure everything is 100% before operating.
b) I will make sure I load my vehicle carefully and precise not to damage the vehicle.
c) I will not spray salt onto any islands or grassy areas.
d) I will make sure all corners have been hit with salt.
e) I will make sure all handicap areas are 100% clear of snow and ice before I leave the site.
f) I will check all sidewalks and report conditions to my supervisor.
g) I will take after picture at every site with sitefotos to prove the job is complete.
h) I will make sure I yield to all pedestrians and cars.
i) I will obey all traffic signs, lights and rules of the road when operation vehicle.
j) I will not drive longer than 14 hrs.
k) I will report all damage by celling and Turing in incident reports to supervisor
l) I will come to work prepared with all essentials with working in cold environments.
m) I am responsible for any damage to my vehicle.
n) I will work efficient and effective to get my route done in a timely manner.
o) I will only salt Snow Systems managed properties.
p) I will leave the vehicle as I got it, clean. I accept a $50 cleaning fee if my machine is returned dirty and full of garbage.
q) I will empty salt truck at the end of my shift and clean off all extra salt chunks from top grates.
r) I will fill the vehicle with fuel, window washer fluid at end of my shift.
s) I will fill out all required paperwork.
For personal safety, carry extra:
Warm clothes
Hat
Gloves
Sunglasses
Warm boots
Cell Phone & Charger!!
Employee Time Tracking Software
This winter season we will begin using an app on your mobile phone to track attendance. This will help streamline our entire payroll process. The new system allows us to track your hours more accurately and your time is automatically sent to the Snow Systems office for verification and calculation. If you do not have the app, you will need to report your time to your supervisor, and they will clock you in/out. Before the next snow fall, please contact our office to get the app installed on your own mobile device. This software will allow you to see your own time card and hours worked. The software requires the use of your location via your cell phone. You must be on your job site for clocking in/out or your time will be flagged in our system and require management approval.
In the event your app or phone doesn’t work it is YOUR responsibility to notify your supervisor immediately. Missing times may (and will) delay your pay check by weeks or result in not being paid for that event. Employees are expected to do their part to make this system work seamlessly. Remember: punching in/out electronically is much easier than using paper timecards and trying to remember your hours. If you have questions about time tracking System, please contact your supervisor. I understand that I am REQUIRED to clock in and out, and if I fail to do so, then I will not be paid for that event. "I FORGOT" is not an acceptable excuse for not clocking in or out It is you responsibility to make notes of your hours worked and the unit # you were operating in case of a discrepancy.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Policy Statement
Snow Systems, Inc., recognizes that safety and productivity problems arise when employees use controlled substances. This is especially true with drivers, mechanics and other in safety sensitive positions where the well-being of the employee, his co-workers and members of the public may be affected by such use. Based on these concerns and the rules and regulations of the Department of Transportation, hereafter called “DOT”, specifically 49 C.F.R part 382 et seq., and in accordance with the Illinois Drug Free Workplace Act, Snow Systems, Inc. is firmly committed to a work place and roadway free of the improper use of drugs, including alcohol and their influence. Therefore, consistent with expressed concern for the well-being of its employees, the public and safety of the roadway, Snow Systems, Inc. will require that all employees be drug-free in accordance with the standard set forth by DOT, by the State of Illinois and the Division of Traffic Safety. This standard calls for a clear statement of policy, an educational training program regarding the ill effects of drug and alcohol use and of drug testing under certain circumstances. Snow Systems, Inc. will provide educational training information to employees which will include but not limited to company policy, regulatory requirements, the effects of substance abuse, the alternatives available to those concerned about their own or someone else’s substance use, the circumstances under which drug testing will be required and the details of an right of the employee under such testing program. Snow Systems, Inc. will require that all applicants and employees read, understand, agree to and sign this Policy Statement as testimony of their commitment to the drug-free workplace as well as their personal drug-free status. This signed statement shall be made part of the employee’s permanent file and she is considered par of any or future employment agreement. It must be understood that the regulatory process surrounding drug and alcohol abuse issues is evolving. The policies and procedures contained herein are subject to change in order to maintain compliance with all federal, state and municipal regulations. Any changes would be agreed upon by Snow Systems, Inc. prior to publication.
ILLINOIS DRUG FREE WORKPLACE ACT
1. III. Rev. Stat., Ch. 127, par. 132.311
A. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession or use of a controlled substance,
Including cannabis is prohibited.
B. The employee shall notify the employer of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation
Occurring in the workplace no late than five (5) days after such conviction.
C. The employer is to notify the Illinois Department of Transportation within ten (ten) days after receiving
Notice from an employee of an employee for a violation of any criminal drug stature occurring in the workplace.
D. The employer is to notify the contracting agent within ten (10) days after receiving notice of conviction from any employee
or otherwise receiving notice of such conviction of any employee for a violation of any criminal drug stature occurring in the
work place.
E. The employer is to impose or require, within 30 days after receiving notice from an employee of a convocation or actual
notice of a conviction, an appropriate personnel action, up to and including termination, or the satisfactory participation in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by a federal, state or local health, law enforcement or other appropriate agency.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SAFETY RULES
Please visit the following website to see all IDOT rules and regulations that must be followed at all times. http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=551&ChapterID=7
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Please visit the following website, these rules and regulations must be followed at all times. https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/drug-alcohol-testing/what-tests-are-required-and-when-does-testing-occur
WORK RELATED INJURIES, ACCIDENTS AND INCIDENTS
With the best interest of Snow Systems, Inc. and its employees, after each work related injury or incident, the employee involved will be subjected to submit to laboratory testing which may include a urine specimen for drug screening and or alcohol testing using an evidential breath testing device. The alcohol test must be performed within two hours of the injury or accident and the drug test must be performed within thirty-two (32) hours of the injury or accident. Refusal to be tested shall be treated as a positive test and will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.