Safety Committee

Preventing Slips & Falls

• 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.

Clearing Snow and Ice

• Dress warmly paying particular attention to feet, hands, nose, and ears.
• Avoid shoveling snow if you are out of shape or have a history of heart trouble.
• Do light warm-up exercises first, before shoveling and take frequent breaks.
• If possible push snow, don’t lift. If you have to lift it, pick up small amounts and lift with your legs not your back. Do not toss snow over your shoulder or to the side.
• Don’t drink alcohol before or while shoveling snow, and also never smoke while shoveling.
• Use rock salt or ice-melt to remove ice from steps, walkways, and sidewalks. Sand placed on a walkway may also prevent slipping.
• If you use a snow blower/thrower make sure you read the owner’s manual before using, even if you’ve had/used other types of snow blowers/throwers before. Make sure all people and pets are out of the way before you begin. Don’t put your hand in the snow blower/thrower to remove impacted snow or debris; turn the machine off and wait a few seconds and then use a stick or broom handle. Don’t leave the snow blower unattended when it’s running, and fill the machine with fuel before you start and let it cool down before refueling.