Campus Safety Newsletter
Winter 1998
A publication of the Office of Human Resources Management
Environmental Health and Safety Services

Article by Mark Smith

Winter Walking

One category of accident on campus that frequently results in lost time and affects a considerable number of employees is slips, trips and falls. This subject is particularly important during the winter months when many exterior walking surfaces are wet and/or slippery.

A few simple precautions can help reduce your chances of being injured from a slip and fall.

• Use floor mats to remove moisture from the soles of your shoes upon enter a building.
• Don't allow rain that has collected on your umbrella to be deposited on indoor walking surfaces.
• Avoid inclines and slippery walking surfaces if possible.
• Be aware of your footing and any potential slip, trip or fall hazard that may be present.
• Select appropriate footwear. Remember that no shoe sole material is perfect under all conditions. Shoes soles made of hard plastic or leather and high-heeled shoes are less than ideal, especially during wet weather.
• Report slip, trip and fall hazards.
• Use a handrail where available.