Keep it dry
Black ice is barely visible to a person’s eye but can form in minutes and makes walking or driving dangerous. These conditions are preventable, so take the following measures:
- Keep a dry mop near employee and visitor entrances.
- Clean, mop, and dry floors continually.
- Place non-slip absorbent mats at entrances.
Clear away snow and ice
Eliminating slippery surfaces can significantly reduce injuries, so be sure to:
- Keep adequate supplies of snow and ice removal tools in readily accessible areas.
- Shovel and salt as often as necessary to keep walkways clean and dry.
- Watch for areas where ice tends to form and remove ice accumulations promptly.
- Before cold weather arrives, verify your contract with a snow removal company to keep your parking lots clear of snow and ice. Confirm they are ready to provide service.
- Limit walking to designated walkways as much as possible, and discourage taking shortcuts over snow piles and in areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible.
- Place quality, beveled edge mats in walking areas subject to water or snow accumulation. Change mats regularly to ensure those in place are dry and serviceable.
- Apply a slip-resistant floor treatment in shop areas.
- Check which ice or snow-melting chemicals are appropriate for the temperature and surfaces where they will be used, and keep a Material Safety Data Sheet on site in case of an emergency.
- Assign hourly checks of walkways.
Emphasize attentive work habits
Even when a safe environment is provided, workers need to follow guidelines and take personal responsibility to reduce winter slips and falls:
- Wear shoes or boots specifically designed to provide traction on wet, slippery surfaces.
- Take short steps to maintain your center of balance.
- Walk slowly and never run on snow or ice-covered surfaces.
- When entering and/or exiting vehicles, use the vehicle for support using three points of contact at all times.
- When entering a building, remove snow and water from footwear, which can create wet, slippery conditions indoors.
