|
When Walkways Freeze - Walk Safely Please
‘Tis the season where slips and falls occur at an increasing rate. Walking to and from parking lots and between buildings during the winter requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling. The National Safety Council estimates that occupational falls cause more than 1500 deaths per year, along with approximately 300,000 injuries. No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from streets and sidewalks, employees will encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in the winter.
The best way to avoid a serious slip and fall injury this winter is to recognize these hazardous conditions and take the proper precautions:
- Although your hands might be cold, don't put them in your pockets when you are navigating wintry stretches. If you slip, you will need your arms to restore balance.
- Wear the proper footwear. Although it may not be glamorous to wear a pair of boots, it will give you traction, not to mention keep your feet warm. If you want to wear heels or other kinds of shoes, simply carry an extra pair with you to change in to.
- If you think you are approaching a particularly slick area of snow or ice, don't be afraid to explore the area with your toe to see how slippery it is before you put your full weight on the area.
- Don't carry large loads while walking on snow or ice - you are asking for trouble! If you do carrying a load on an icy walk and feel yourself falling, toss your load so that you can break your fall with your arms.
- Take small careful steps instead of large ones. When getting out of a vehicle, step, don't jump. When possible, use handrails, handles - anything that will help you keep your balance. Never run.
- Contact the facility management if you see an area that requires snow or ice removal.
Using good SAFE S.T.E.P. practices, we can reduce our risk of injury when dealing with the cold weather of winter.
Watch out for hidden slip hazards. While exiting her vehicle, an employee slipped and fell in the employee parking lot near her profit center. Due to the refreezing of melting snow, “black ice” formed throughout the parking lot. The employee failed to notice the “black ice.” She stepped out of her vehicle and slipped, resulting in a broken arm. Therefore, attention to changing environmental conditions is essential with safe winter walking.
Call to Action
- It is the responsibility of every employee to help prevent slips and falls on ice and snow.
- Check for changing conditions, spread salt and sand as often as necessary.
- Use extra caution after dark, as water can re-freeze and cause dangerous conditions.
|
