Keeping Your Feet in Winter

Whoa, it's cold in the Northeast! Slip and Fall injuries are the third largest cause of workplace injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and they increase in the winter due to the snow, ice, and salt that is plentiful around this time of year. The following tips will help to keep you and your workers safe this season:

• Remove the snow from the bottom of your shoes before entering a building
• Slow down and take smaller steps
• Wear shoes with rubber soles that have good traction
  
• Be aware of surface conditions where you are walking; and walk around (versus through - no matter how "snow proof" your boots are) patches of snow and ice when possible
• Give yourself extra time to get to where you are going so you can walk more slowly
• Avoid the temptation to walk with your hands in your pockets-your arms are necessary to restore balance if you should slip
• Use handrails whenever possible

Keep your footing, keep safe, and keep warm!

Julie