January Safety Tip

Safe Winter Walking

• Wear proper footwear. Proper footwear should place the entire foot on the surface of the ground and have visible treads. Avoid a smooth sole and opt for a heavy treaded shoe with a flat bottom – no high heel boots!
• Plan ahead. While walking on snow or ice on sidewalks or in parking lots, walk consciously. Instead of looking down, look up and see where your feet will move next to anticipate ice or an uneven surface. Occasionally scan from left to right to ensure you are not in the way of vehicles or other hazards.
• Use your eyes and ears. You want to be sure you can hear approaching traffic and other noises. Avoid listening to music or engaging in conversation that may prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or snow removal equipment.
• Anticipate ice. Be wary of thin sheets of ice that may appear as wet pavement (black ice). Often ice will appear in the morning, in shady spots or where the sun shines during the day and melted snow refreezes at night.
• Walk stairs slowly. When walking down steps, be sure to grip handrails firmly and plant your feet securely on each step.
• Enter a building carefully. When you get to your destination, be sure to look at the floor as you enter the building. The floor may be wet with melted snow and ice.
• Be careful when you shift your weight. When stepping off a curb or getting into a car, be careful since shifting your weight may cause an imbalance and result in a fall. Use 3-point contact when entering your vehicle make sure you two hands are holding you as you lift your foot.
• Look up. Be careful about what you walk under.  Injuries also can result from falling snow/ice as it blows, melts, or breaks away from awnings, buildings, etc.
• Ask your employer to leave a bucket of salt at the door with small cups so you can salt the area as you walk to your car. You can carry a bag of kitty litter in your car and spread it as you get out and start to walk to the building.