Faculty

Snow and ice storms often include dangerous sheets of ice and banks of snow, transforming parking lots, steps and sidewalks into precarious situations for faculty, staff and students to navigate. Major contributing factors causing slips and falls include: improper footwear for winter conditions, walking too fast for conditions or carrying laptops or other materials. The following information will help reduce the chance of a slip and fall injury. 

When walking over snow and ice, remember to:

• Choose the right type of footwear
  • Wear slip-resistant shoes or boots and dry off your shoes as soon as possible after entering a building.
  • High heels: Office staff should wear shoes or boots with good traction and then change into dress shoes after arriving.
  • Avoid wearing high heels outdoors.

• Go slow on ice and snow
  • Take shorter steps, keeping feet shoulder-width apart.
  • Walk slowly and deliberately so you can react to traction changes.
  • Change your gait when walking on a slippery area—walk with your feet slightly turned out for better balance and make wide turns.
  • Use caution when entering buildings and use rugs and mats to remove tracked-in snow (wet shoes on dry floors are almost as dangerous as dry shoes on wet floors).

• Take the best route
  • Look for slip hazards and scan the path of travel.
  • Follow the clearest route to your entrance, even if it’s not the most direct.
  • Avoid areas that have not been cleared.

• Avoid carrying items
  • Keep your hands empty so that your arms are free to move for stabilization—use bags or backpacks if needed.
  • Don’t carry packages that block your view.
  • Drop off heavier loads near the door to avoid carrying them a long distance.
  • If you must carry something, use a rolling cart and keep loads small and balanced.

• Safe falling techniques
  • When you feel yourself start to fall, let your body go limp. This will allow your body to naturally roll into the fall.
  • Keep your wrist, elbows and knees bent. Don’t try to break your fall.
  • Tuck your chin in and throw your arms up to protect your head.