Walk safely this winter: Tips to avoid falls and injuries

As Indiana winter takes hold, Environmental Health and Safety is sharing tips to help the campus community stay safe while navigating snowy and icy conditions. To reduce the risk of falls and injuries, EHS recommends the following precautions:

• Plan your walking route: Use cleared and treated pathways, pedestrian subwalks or skywalks whenever possible.
• Choose proper footwear: Wear sturdy shoes and remove ice cleats indoors to prevent slipping.
• Walk carefully: Slow down, take shorter steps and maintain steady footing.
• Avoid carrying heavy loads: Keep your hands free for balance.
• Use handrails: Always hold handrails on stairs or ramps for stability.
• Opt for elevators: If available, use elevators instead of stairs, as tracked-in snow and ice can make indoor stairs slippery.
• Get in and out of vehicles safely: Use a door or seat for stability, as parking lots may be icy.

For snow removal questions or requests, contact the Grounds department at 765-494-3087. Grounds will coordinate with other departments as needed, while Building Services manages snow removal at building entrances, ramps, steps and nearby sidewalks. Contact your building deputy for specific concerns.

Additionally, self-serve ice melt buckets are being distributed across campus. To request buckets for a facility, contact Mike Silanskis, director of occupational safety and facilities safety, at msilansk@purdue.edu.

Individuals are also encouraged to utilize the new EHS Slip Simulator, located in the Materials Management Distribution Center. Slip, trips and falls are the among the leading causes of injuries each year and can have severe consequences. The simulator helps participants develop cognitive awareness and safe walking techniques on slippery surfaces, reducing the risk of injury. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Kraus, EHS safety specialist and instructional designer, at jakraus@purdue.edu.

EHS also offers a printable winter walking safety infographic, available in 11”x17” format, for posting on campus bulletin boards.

EHS, Grounds and Building Services, part of the Administrative Operations organization, are committed to supporting the university with safe, reliable and transformative services. By sharing safety tips and assisting with snow removal, they help ensure the campus community can navigate winter conditions safely and effectively. To learn more and stay up to date about the daily operations of the organization, follow us on Instagram at @purdueoperations and Facebook at Purdue Administrative Operations.