Most of us have seen someone take a nasty spill on a slippery winter surface or have been victims ourselves. It can be more than embarrassing. Slips, trips and falls cause nearly 700 fatalities and many more injuries each year in workplaces, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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But there are many things we all can do to prevent these injuries before they occur. In fact, OSHA requires that employers keep all walking and working surfaces free of hazards, including spills, snow and ice. Take your time, look out for your co-workers and share these winter walking tips:

• Take extra time and care when getting in and out of vehicles. Use the vehicle for support. Slide your foot out of the vehicle to check for icy ground.
• Pay attention to slippery floors at building entrances. Entrance matting is essential all year, but it’s even more critical when snow, ice and slush are present. One well-placed floor mat will help keep employees and visitors on their feet while eliminating up to 75 percent of tracked-in dirt. There are many options, including outdoor matting, interior matting and more. You can even customize your mats with your logo and have them cut to size.
• Encourage employees to avoid carrying items or walking with hands in pockets. Place a cart near the entrance that can be used for heavy, awkward loads. Having your hands full can reduce your ability to catch yourself if you lose your balance.
• Remind workers and visitors to use handrails when possible. If you have a slippery patch without a nearby railing, place a sturdy temporary guardrail close by or erect a retractable barrier to divert foot traffic.
• Walk as flat-footed as possible to maximize contact and friction if you do encounter slippery surfaces.
• When outdoors, wear winter-appropriate footwear with dependable traction, like strap-on traction grippers, boot-style traction overshoes, ice cleats and ice chains.
• Avoid uneven surfaces and be aware of steps and curbs. Slippery surface signage lets employees and customers know there are slip hazards ahead.
• Treat slippery surfaces with salt or sand as soon as possible. If materials are not immediately available, report untreated surfaces to your manager or facilities representative.

If you’re seeing an uptick in slips, trips and falls at work, it might be time for fall protection refresher training. The Workplace Safety Experts at Conney Safety can conduct training for your employees, either at your facility or remotely. Using OSHA’s Walking-Working Surfaces standard, the training addresses the serious slips, trips and falls that occur in workplaces every day.

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