Falling temperatures and snowy weather increase the risk of slips and falls. Follow these tips to help you navigate icy paths safely!
Wear boots or overshoes with grip soles. Slick leather or plastic soles on shoes will increase the risk of slipping.
When getting out of your vehicle, look down at the surface. If it’s coated with ice, you might want to try to park in a different place. Call Facilities Management at 902-420-5572 and advise of icy areas.
Take care when entering or exiting vehicles and use the vehicle for support. Before standing, brace yourself with the vehicle door and seat back for added stability.
Ice grippers on footwear can help you walk on hard-packed snow and ice. But be careful! Grippers become dangerously slippery and must be removed before walking on smooth surfaces such as stone, tile, and ceramic.
Don’t walk with your hands in your pockets; this reduces the ability to use your arms for balance if you slip.
Take short shuffling steps in extremely icy areas.
Place your full attention on walking. Digging in your pocketbook or backpack while walking on ice is dangerous.
Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them.
Practice a balancing act indoors if you are unsure of your balance. Practice single-leg balance exercises (for example, stand on one foot first, then the other) near a support until you feel more confident.
Slow down and take your time. Do not take risks, like climbing over snow banks.
Reduce potential injury when falling with these tips:
Roll with the fall. Try to twist and roll backwards, rather than falling forward.
If you are falling backwards, tuck your chin to your chest to help prevent your head from hitting the ground.
Relax as much as possible when you begin to fall.
If you are carrying a load, just toss it. Protect yourself instead of the objects being carried.