Winter Safety Tips

Walking safely in the winter

We often forget how dangerous slipping and falling can be. The National Safety Council estimates that occupational falls cause more than 1500 deaths per year, along with approximately 300,000 injuries. Walking outside during the winter requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling.

No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from streets and sidewalks, you will encounter some slippery surfaces when walking outdoors in the winter. It is important to be continually aware of the dangers and to walk safely on ice and slippery surfaces.

Here are some guidelines to help protect yourself from falls this winter.

• Wear the proper foot gear. Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice: rubber and neoprene composite. Avoid plastic and leather soles.
• Keep both hands free for balance, rather than in your pockets.
• Use handrails from start to finish.
• Avoid carrying loads on stairways; or carry loads that you can see over.
• Keep you eyes on where you are going.
• Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them.
• Step - Don't jump from vehicles. Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support.
• Keep walkways clear of debris, water, ice and slippery materials.
• Plan ahead; give yourself sufficient time and plan your route.
• Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible can be hazardous.
• Look ahead when you walk; a sidewalk completely covered with ice may require travel along its grassy edge for traction.

When given no choice but to walk on ice, consider the following:

• Take small steps to keep your center of balance under you.
• Walk slowly and never run on icy ground.
• Bend slightly, walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible.
• Be prepared to fall.
• If you fall, fall with sequential contacts at your thigh, hip, and shoulder to avoid using your arms to protect against breakage.
• Bend your back and head forward so you won't slam your head on the pavement as your feet shoot out from under you.
• Roll with the fall. Roll backwards, rather than falling forward.
• Relax as much as possible when you begin to fall.
• Toss the load you are carrying. Protect yourself instead of the objects being carried.
  

Remember to help prevent falls inside by removing snow and water from your footwear so that you won't have wet slippery conditions indoors.