Winter Safety Tips: Protecting Your Workforce from Slips, Falls, and Injuries
Winter in New Hampshire brings its own unique beauty, but it also presents challenges, especially in the workplace. Snow and ice create hazardous conditions that can result in injuries, many of which impact both personal and professional lives. To reduce the risk of workplace injuries during the winter months, it is essential to take proactive steps to ensure safety for your employees. As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
Here are several effective strategies to help minimize risks and prevent winter weather-related injuries:
1. Safety Signage and Notifications
Increase employee awareness by using clear and visible safety reminders:
- Ice Alert Warning Indicator Signs: These indicate freezing temperatures and potential ice hazards.
- Winter Slip Hazard Poster: Display posters that reinforce safe winter practices.
- Weather Alerts: Send text messages or emails to pre-notify employees of upcoming weather conditions and remind them about the importance of safe driving and walking.
- Encourage Reporting: Encourage employees to immediately report any hazardous conditions they observe so that they can be addressed quickly.
2. Slip-Resistant Footwear
Remind employees to wear slip-resistant footwear with good treads during wet, icy, or snowy conditions. Encourage employees to change into dry indoor shoes once they enter the building to maintain comfort and safety.
3. Ice Cleats
Since lack of traction is a primary cause of slips and falls, we recommend participating in your Trust’s Ice Cleat Reimbursement Program. The Program offers a 50% reimbursement per pair of ice cleats. The use of ice cleats can significantly reduce the risk of serious injuries such as fractures and sprains. Offering a range of cleat options will increase compliance and comfort, helping employees stay safe when navigating slippery surfaces. It is recommended that an Ice Cleat Policy is implemented and shared with employees to provide clear expectations.
4. Outdoor Work Tasks
Identify employees who perform outdoor tasks (e.g., sanding/salting walkways, and traveling between buildings or vehicles) and ensure they are equipped with proper footwear and ice cleats. Common tasks, such as walking to a vehicle or throwing trash into a dumpster, can be dangerous without proper footwear. By providing and requiring the use of ice cleats, you reduce the risk of serious injury from falls.
5. Salt, Sand, and Ice Melt
Having an adequate supply of salt, sand, and ice melt is critical for preventing slips and falls around entrances, walkways, parking lots, and stairs. Ensure there is a backup supply of these materials so that employees can spread them when needed, especially in high-traffic areas. You might also consider providing personal containers filled with salt or sand for employees to carry while accessing their vehicles during inclement weather.
6. Facilities Management
Ensure there is adequate lighting in all areas where employees walk or work, including parking lots, doorways, and around dumpsters. This can help employees see icy or wet spots before they slip. Having a comprehensive Snow and Ice Management Plan Snow and Ice Management Plan in place will help you minimize risks associated with winter weather.
7. Winter Driving Safety
- Clear Snow and Ice Off Vehicles: In accordance with Jessica’s Law in NH, ensure employees fully clean snow and ice off their vehicles before driving. This increases visibility and reduces the risk of snow or ice falling off the vehicle while driving.
- Seat Belt Policy: Remind employees about your company’s Seat Belt Policy to ensure they are using seat belts while operating vehicles on company time.
- For additional guidance, refer to NHTSA’s Winter Weather Driving Tips.
8. Additional Winter Safety Resources
By taking these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of winter-related workplace injuries. Stay ahead of the season and encourage your workforce to remain vigilant about their safety.
Contact your Loss Control Consultant with any questions about winter safety.
