Winter months present extra dangers that are usually not factors for employees during warmer temperatures – specifically slip and fall problems. With snow and ice-covered situations, you risk taking significant falls, which can lead to extreme injuries.
Prevention
Education is vital in averting winter weather-related injuries. Consider the following suggestions to avoid slip & fall injuries during the winter months:
- Wear the appropriate footwear that gives traction on ice and snow. Footwear should be anti-slip material; steer clear of plastic and leather-soled shoes or boots.
- Pay attention when entering and exiting vehicles, and use the car for support and balance yourself.
- Walk only in specified zones that are safe for foot traffic. For instance, if you see that a walkway is coated in ice, walk on the grass by the sidewalk, which will give better traction.
- Avoid slopes that are generally more difficult to walk up or down as they may be more dangerous in winter.
- Take smaller steps to sustain your center of balance, walk slow, and don’t run. When practicable, walk with your hands empty to keep your balance. And despite the frigid temperatures, avoid placing your hands in your pockets which will help better maintain your balance and let you break a fall should you misstep.
- Use railings, partitions, or anything fixed to help in steadying your feet.
- Examine ahead to the way in front of you to avoid dangers.
- Try a potentially tricky area before stepping on it by thumping your foot on the surface first.
- Remove trash, water, and ice from all working walkways.
- Steer clear of roof boundaries, floor entrances, and other drop-offs to avoid falling hazards.
- Sand or salt surfaces coated by snow or ice to provide traction.
- Dry your shoes or boots on floor rugs when walking into a building.
- Report slip and fall dangers immediately to your manager.
- Find shelter immediately in the event of extreme weather circumstances.
If You Start to Fall…
- Turn your body and roll back to avoid tumbling forward and hurting your face.
- Relax your body when you feel your legs give way.
If you are toting a load, pitch it off to the side so it does not land on you when you fall. This will likewise free your arms to aid in breaking your fall.
