Avoid Weather Related Slips, Trips and Falls

Snow! It really piled up this time! It looks like we may be dealing with melting and freezing of the white stuff for some time. Lots of rain may only add to the hazards that the wet weather creates. These types of conditions leave behind many hazards.

Falls are a leading cause of injury in all kinds of work places, often resulting in disabling injuries. Historically, slips/trips/falls have been our most common type of accident. Winter weather conditions typically bring an increase in these incidents. In November 2002, Mr. Diaz expressed his concern for the need to reduce these types of incidents. A team was assembled to initiate a Winter Safety Campaign to help increase awareness. Here are some tips we would like to remind you of to help avoid slips/trips/falls when the weather is snowy, icy or wet.

• If the Center is closed or a delayed opening is announced due to weather conditions, non-essential employees are not to enter the Center until the announced opening time so that snow removal crews may complete snow and ice removal.
• Put safety before fashion by wearing shoes or boots with slip resistant soles and carry your work shoes with you.
• Remove as much snow as possible before entering buildings.
• Watch for wet floors. If you encounter a wet surface, shorten your stride, point your feet out, and don't cut corners, so you can make wider turns.
• Walk! Don't run.
• Walk with your arms by your sides for balance.
• Bending your knees a little and talking slower steps can greatly reduce your chances of falling.
• Watch where you are walking.
• Use handrails on stairs.
• Long, loose pant cuffs present a tripping hazard.
• Use designated sidewalks and walkways.
• Survey the area around your vehicle for icy or wet patches prior to exiting your vehicle.
• If walkways are impassable and you have to walk in the street, walk against traffic and as close to the curb as possible.
• Remember-streets and walkways may be slippery. Don't carry heavy packages that may impair your sight and balance.
• Pay extra attention walking from surface to surface.

If you should fall, you can reduce your chance of injury by falling the right way.

Relax: Try not to stiffen and tense your muscles.
Absorb: Let your arms and legs give like a spring to absorb the impact of the fall.
Roll: Move with the direction of the fall to minimize injury.

Call 6-5555 to report potential slip, trip or fall hazards. Use the sand-filled buckets at major entrances to the buildings on icy spots. The Close-Call/Hazard Reporting System is also available at http://safety1st/close.html for reporting of close-calls and hazards. For additional information, contact Lisa Cutler at x6-7409.