Winter Weather Safety Tips: Preventing Slips and Falls

In cold and/or wet conditions, common dangers include slips and falls, as well as vehicle accidents. Taking simple precautions can help staff, tenants, and visitors prevent accidents and injuries.

Precautions to Take

Keep exposed skin to a minimum when working or transitioning an outside post – frostbite can occur in just a few minutes. Remember to drink plenty of water even in the winter months, as rapid dehydration can occur in cold temperatures.

Preventing Slips

• Areas that may become slick and require extra caution include stairs, ramps, tile floors, parking lots and metal parts of equipment.
• Have a snow and ice removal program in place, and make proper notifications regarding hazards.
• Place non-skid floor mats and caution signs in slippery, high traffic areas.
• Use traction devices that strap onto shoes when conditions require them.
• Use the right shoes. Slip resistant soles are essential. Shoe soles need to have thin cuts, often called sipping, that disperse water and grip the ground.
• Titan Security has a slip resistant shoe program. Supervisors and managers should assist with officer awareness.

Driving Safety

Slips can happen when entering and exiting your vehicle, so be cautious. Use a three-point stance when getting in and out of your vehicle. Use a grab-bar or doorframe for stability. Be aware that the vehicle itself can lose traction, causing uncontrolled skids.

• When roads are slick, slow down, leave extra following distance between yourself and other cars and do not make sudden vehicular movements.
• If you begin to skid, turn the wheel in the direction you want the vehicle to go. Ease your foot off the accelerator, and do not hit the brakes.
• Know the weather conditions you will encounter and plan ahead.
• Inspect your vehicle for proper tires and other winter driving gear.
• Be sure that cold weather gear is on board and ready for use.
• Assume that roads, bridges and exits are icy, and be ready for them.
• Keep lights, windows and mirrors clean. This is especially important in low visibility situations such as darkness, ice or fog.
• If pulling over due to an emergency, increase your visibility to passing traffic. Activate the vehicle’s hazard warning lights, wear your safety vest, set up a warning triangle or flares and assume that oncoming traffic does not see you.

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).