Winter Walking Safety

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that approximately one million Americans are injured each year from slipping on ice or snow. Tragically, nearly 17,000 of these falls result in fatal injuries.

Implement the following precautions to reduce the risk of falling:

• Wear shoes with good tread and low heels.
• Slow down, take short steps, and waddle like a penguin.
• Don’t walk with your hands in pockets.
• Avoid carrying objects that can throw off your balance.
• Hold the handrail when on stairs.
• Check for blue reflectors on IceAlert postings where available.
• Apply ice melt if safe to do so.
• Notify your supervisor, facility manager, and coworkers of the formation of ice or the accumulation of ice melt pellets which can cause slipping hazards.
• Get help as needed to clear icy surfaces or put up barricades.
• Wipe your feet to prevent bringing ice melt pellets into buildings.