Resources / Guide / Mitigating Winter Slips, Trips, and Falls

Mitigating Winter Slips, Trips, and Falls

December 19, 2024 | BCSP Staff Guide

Mitigating Winter Slips, Trips, and Falls

Take steps to protect your workforce when snow and ice hit

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data from 2021-22 revealed approximately 20% of workplace injuries in the United States resulted from slips, trips, and falls. Only “exposure to harmful substances or environments” and “overexertion and bodily reaction” produced more total cases.

And that only accounts for injuries involving days away from work, restricted activity, or job transfer (DART), not the many additional bumps and bruises that occur.

Slips, trips, and falls are always hazardous, but they can be even more so during the winter because of the additional dangers posed by snow and ice.

It is important to take appropriate measures to mitigate these hazards to keep workers safe during the colder months. Here are some steps to take:

 

Maintain Safe Outdoor Walkways

One of the biggest threats to employees during winter weather is walking on parking lots and sidewalks that may be slippery from ice. Mitigate this by arranging for prompt snow removal and using a deicer to melt ice or prevent it from forming.
 
 
Increase Visibility
 
Slip, trip, and fall hazards pose even more of a challenge when visibility is poor. During winter months when the days are shorter, employees may arrive at the workplace and/or depart in the dark. Ensure parking lots and sidewalks are well-lit, and use highly visible signs or cones to mark icy spots.

 

Keep Floors Dry

Floors can easily become slippery from workers tracking snow and ice into the workplace via their shoes. Absorbent mats and rugs inside building entrances can contain some of that water, while anti-slip tape can add traction to potential slippery surfaces like stairs.

Dry floors as quickly as possible with mops, vacuums, or floor fans, and place warning signs to caution workers to wet floors until they are dry.

 

Communicate Effectively

If there is a hazard known to cause slips, trips, or falls, notify employees about it so they can be prepared. Ideally, use a method that allows for immediate notifications so you can alert employees to newly discovered hazards. Encourage employees to report slip, trip, and fall hazards when they see them.

For more tips on communicating with your workforce regarding winter conditions, check out The Hub guide, “Winter Weather Communication Planning for Safety Leaders.” (Link to resource when available)

 

Be Prepared

Have a plan in place ahead of time and supplies – mats, shovels, deicer, etc. – ready for when winter weather arrives. Designate a team or hire a third party for snow and ice removal and set expectations for prompt action. Be ready to follow the suggestions outlined in this guide to protect employees and visitors to your workplace.

 

Train Employees

Educate your workforce on the potential for slips, trips, and falls and the measures they can take to protect themselves. You can include winter weather preparedness items in your employee training sessions or as part of regular meetings. Offer tips like the following:

  • Wear footwear that provides ample traction.
  • Give yourself sufficient time to get to work so you aren’t rushed.
  • Take short, slow steps.
  • Refrain from cell phone use and other distractions while walking.
  • Keep your hands free to stabilize yourself.
  • Use handrails when walking up or down stairs or steps.
  • Step down, not out, when exiting vehicles and stepping off curbs.
  • Anticipate the possibility of black ice, which can be nearly invisible but pose tremendous risk.
  • Report any slip, trip, or fall hazards you notice.

 

By preparing for inclement weather ahead of time, acting promptly when it strikes, and training your workforce on how to respond, you can make great strides in mitigating slips, trips, and falls this winter.

Tags: Winter Safety Slips Trips and Falls

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