Staying Ahead of Winter Hazards: A Guide to Slip and Fall Prevention
Author, Jadyn Brandt, Client Communications Coordinator, Rancho Mesa Insurance Services, Inc.
Temperatures are beginning to drop, and as winter weather sets in, the risk of slips, trips, and falls in the workplace is on the rise. Snow, ice, and wet conditions can turn parking lots, stairways, and lobbies into hidden hazards. In 2022, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 865 fatalities due to slips, trips and falls. From office employees walking in from the parking lot to construction crews working outdoors, everyone should be aware of the potential risks that come with the seasons changing. Preventing injuries requires awareness, preparation, and a proactive safety culture.
There are a number of hazards that employees may encounter during the winter months. Snow or ice may build up on outdoor walkways, parking lots, stairs, and loading docks. Indoors, snow or water tracked in by employees can make floors slippery. Plus, less daylight means employees may be arriving to or leaving work in the dark, making it harder to see hazards.
Employee awareness is key to preventing slips, trips, and falls. Weekly safety trainings that address the dangers of winter weather are one way to keep employees mindful of their surroundings. Rancho Mesa’s SafetyOne™ platform has a number of toolbox talk trainings that can be used to instruct employees on safe behavior. They include:
Dressing for Winter Work
Winter Lifting Hazards
Weather Awareness for Landscape Contractors
Weather Awareness for Tree Care Companies
Weather-Related Driving Hazards for Company Drivers
Sending email reminders to your team alerting them on days when the weather is more extreme than normal, and reminding them how to work safely in those conditions, can help keep safety top of mind for employees.
Additionally, keeping work-areas well-lit, posting safety signage around the job site or in places where ice, snow, or rain may accumulate, and requiring proper slip-resistant footwear are additional steps employers can take to protect their employees during the winter season.
Preventing slips, trips, and falls during the winter months requires consistent safety practices. By taking these proactive steps both employers and employees can reduce the risk of accidents and keep workplaces safe, productive, and injury-free all season long.