Winter walking: Tips to avoid slip and fall injuries

Radiological and Environmental Management continues to urge employees to walk safely and take some simple precautions as they venture out this winter. Each winter, Purdue employees experience slips and falls due to snowy and icy conditions. Some injuries may be severe and have a long-term physical impact on the employee. Broken hips, broken arms and injuries to backs or heads are among the most common winter slip and fall injuries. 

Although Physical Facilities prepares for and responds to weather conditions on an ongoing basis, hazardous conditions are likely to exist during weather events. Here are some tips to minimize chances of slipping and falling:

* Wear appropriate footwear to increase traction on ice and snow. Smooth leather soles and high heels offer little traction on ice and snow and should not be worn. 

* Avoid the stairs and take the elevator when available.

* Use handrails when walking up and down stairs, and keep at least one hand free for balance. Falls on stairs lead to some of the most severe injuries.

* Avoid carrying heavy or awkward loads; use shoulder straps on bags and backpacks to keep your hands free for balance and to use handrails when walking on stairs.

* Wear over-the-shoe ice cleats. Remember to take them off when inside since they can damage floors or even be more slippery on tile or terrazzo.

* Walk on surfaces that have been cleared or treated if possible. Avoid taking shortcuts across areas that have not been cleared.

* If possible, use pedestrian walkways and tunnels and walk through buildings.

* Slow down and take shorter steps so you can react to a change in traction more easily.

* Wear gloves to keep your hands warm and out of your pockets for balance.

* Exercise caution around traffic as vehicles may need increased stopping distances.

A two-minute video created by Wyoming Workforce Services shows some of these winter walking techniques.

To report unsafe surface conditions inside or outside of buildings, call the Grounds Department at 494-3087.

For more information, visit the REM website or contact REM at 494-6371 or embutt@purdue.edu.