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Winter Safety Tips for Walking on Snow and Ice

Posted on January 19, 2022 | Filed under Archive

This post has been archived. Information below may be out of date and/or relate to a past event.

Recent winter weather has brought the typical snow and cold to campus. Physical Plant will continue to remove snow, sand sidewalks and roads, and use chemical melters to reduce slip and fall hazards as much as possible. Remember, they will salt and melt it today, but it will freeze again overnight. Once temperatures drop below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, ice melt is less effective. Please note that there will be times over the next few days – specifically Thursday and Friday night — where conditions may require extra caution when walking on campus, including the potential for black ice.

It is important for individuals to recognize the hazards of slippery walks, roadways, and other areas – including indoor spaces where snow and ice melt after being tracked in from outside. There are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of falling when slippery conditions exist. Here are some helpful hints: 

  • Wear boots – proper footwear is well insulated, waterproof, with wide, low heels and a thick, non-slip tread on the sole.
  • Take small steps to keep your center of balance under you.
  • Walk slowly and never run on ice/wet surfaces.
  • Keep both hands free for balance (as opposed to being kept in your pockets).
  • Watch where you’re going.
  • Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them.
  • Step, don’t jump, from vehicles and equipment.
  • Walk in walkways as much as possible – taking shortcuts over snow piles and areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible can be hazardous.
  • Plan ahead – give yourself sufficient time and plan your route.
  • Wipe your feet, use floor mats when entering a building – in addition to keeping floors clean, mats are also used to remove moisture from the soles of your shoes.
  • Use handrails where available.

You can find more winter safety tips on the Safety Committee website.