Slips, trips and falls happen all the time, but most frequently in winter. Because falls are the third leading cause of work-related injuries, the National Safety Council (NSC) continues to share a 2023 webinar, “Slips, Trips and Falls: Winter Weather,” to help employers prevent weather-related falls.

Falls account for 20% of work-related injuries every year, according to the NSC. Besides causing pain, a typical fall injury results in 14 days of missed work. And most of those who fall are workers 55 and older.

Cold weather safety tips

To keep everyone safe during winter weather, the NSC encourages employers and property managers to use the following guidelines:

• Follow the weather closely. Use weather apps. Know the forecast for the hour, day and week. Realize that conditions can change quickly. Be ready to respond.
• Check in with employees on the forecast during pre- or post-shift meetings. Use text messages and AV systems to give employees crucial weather updates.
• Post signs to warn drivers and pedestrians of freezing or hazardous conditions on your business property and in the field. Automated signs can be programmed with weather alerts near high-traffic areas. Consider posting outdoor signs with temperature-sensitive messages that warn of falling temps.
• Keep traffic and pedestrian areas clear and free of packing materials, trash and debris. Organize and store new materials immediately. Safely stack items.
• Clearly mark materials stored outside so snowplow operators will know to steer clear.
• Keep drains and storm sewers clear to prevent water pooling, which can freeze on walkways, parking lots and access drives.
• Clear roof lines and clean gutters during the fall to prevent formation of icicles and falling ice. If ice forms overhead, cordon off areas below, and use signs and yellow caution tape to warn pedestrians and drivers.
• Stock up on salt, sand and other ice treatment materials. Rock salt is cheap but loses efficacy in extremely low temperatures. For extreme cold conditions, use magnesium chloride or calcium chloride. Salt, sand and gravel can prevent slipping and sliding for people and equipment working in the field.
• Keep snowblowers and shovels handy and in good repair for clearing walkways. Do not wait until the first snow to test, repair and replace.
• Plan where to place snow that’s been plowed. This may require using portions of parking areas.
• Despite your best efforts, employees may still end up having to walk on ice. Ask employees to report icy patches immediately.
• Provide protective gear, such as high-­quality cleats for boots and shoes.
• Through newsletters, word-of-mouth or other means, make sure employees know to slow down when encountering ice and “walk like a penguin,” meaning with arms extended, knees loose (not locked), taking small steps, moving side to side and with feet flat. Also let employees know that, in the event of a backwards fall, they should tuck their chin to their chest to help avoid head injury.
• Sometimes snow is fluffy or powdery, and other times it is heavy and wet. Either way, it becomes much harder to remove after being tamped down by vehicle and pedestrian traffic. For that reason, clear snow away as soon as possible. Also remember that when temperatures drop suddenly, the wet stuff can freeze rapidly and become very slippery.
• Have a plan that is responsive to conditions. Determine when and how often snow should be cleared. To minimize workday disruption, schedule snow removal and surface treatment before employees arrive. If snow must be removed throughout the day, determine how often or what times are best.
• Consider hiring a snow removal service.

Hiring a snow removal service

Beyond the NSC presentation, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers helpful tips for hiring snow removal services:

• Use the business locator on BBB.org. Type in “snow removal services” and provide your ZIP code. If you already have a company in mind, check its BBB rating.
• It’s a good idea to get estimates and ask for references from three different service providers and compare.
• Expect a service rep to tour your property and work with you to develop a snow removal strategy.
• Avoid verbal agreements. Insist on a written contract.
• Make sure the provider carries insurance to protect your business from damages that may result from their service.
• Beware of contractors wanting payment for an entire season of snow removal upfront.

To watch the NSC’s webinar on preventing winter weather-related falls, visit https://tinyurl.com/46jw52ua.