Winter weather has arrived! During the winter months, slips, trips, and falls represent a majority of incidents occurring both inside and outside of campus buildings. By taking the proper safety precautions, we can all work together to avoid injuries associated with the hazards of winter. Here are a few tips to keep you safe during the winter season:
- Giving yourself plenty of time to walk slowly. Wear proper footwear! A heavy treaded shoe with a flat bottom works best to grip the snow and ice and prevent slipping.
- Make use of any available handrails on stairs, outdoor walkways, and vehicles.
- Take the extra time and a few extra steps to use our existing pedestrian bridges/interconnects that link the academic buildings rather than walk outside at all! Otherwise, walk only on the plowed and treated sidewalks and pedestrian paths. Please do not cut across the green space or over snow banks as you could potentially fall and be injured.
- Remove snow or mud from your shoes before entering any building, and enter buildings cautiously. Your shoes may be wet and can cause you (or others) to slip or fall.
- Know your limitations. Carrying large packages or other items that limit vision can lead to slips and trips.
- Be a defensive pedestrian. With winter conditions drivers can’t always see you and road conditions may not provide them time enough to stop quickly and safely. Make sure drivers have come to a complete stop before crossing the street crosswalks or parking lots. Also wearing a bright coat or scarf to be easily seen can help both during the day and at night.
- As the snow covers the parking lot the parking lines may be harder to judge. Please be respectful of other drivers’ parking spots.
- Leave a little earlier than usual, whether walking or driving, to allow yourself more time to get to safely your destination.
- Along with leaving a little earlier, take the time to warm up your vehicle and thoroughly clean off your windows of any snow and ice for proper visibility. It is not only unsafe to operate your vehicle while looking through a small hole scraped in your windshield, but is also a violation of State Law regarding vision obstructions of the windows. This certainly presents a real hazard to you, other motorists, and pedestrian traffic.
Keep in mind that at times even taking the necessary precautions may not be enough and a fall could be inevitable. If you fall, relax and try to fall as limply as possible. Try to avoid landing on your knees, wrists, or spine. Try to fall on a fleshy part of your body, such as your side. Avoid using your arms to stop your fall.
Should you observe a specific area in need of immediate attention due to slick and hazardous conditions, i.e. driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, or campus roadways, please contact Facilities & Services immediately, so we can advise Grounds or Custodial Services of the condition.
