While many weather and road conditions are out of our control, there are some tips
every colleague can take to be safe this winter:
1. Plan ahead, give yourself sufficient time and plan your route.
2. Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice. Footwear made of rubber and neoprene composite
provide better traction than plastic and leather soles. Products, such as Yaktrax, are available with abrasive soles or
cleats that provide special tracon for walking on snow and ice. [Remember to remove when entering buildings.]
3. Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use your vehicle if needed for support.
4. Anticipate ice. Keep traction material in your car such as salt, sand or ice melt. This is useful to improve your
safety in areas outside of work and home.
5. Avoid taking shortcuts. Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and
areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible can be hazardous. Look ahead when you walk; a sidewalk completely
covered with ice may require travel along its grassy edge for traction.
6. Take steps slowly. When given no choice but to walk on ice, consider the following: Take short steps or shuffle
for stability. Keep your hands free and out of your pockets for better balance. Walk at a slower pace so you can react
quickly to a change in traction.
7. Look up. Be careful of what you’re walking under. Falling snow and ice can cause injuries.
8. Enter buildings cautiously, expect melted snow and ice on floors. Wipe feet on walk‐off mats at entrances. Remove
snow and water from footwear to help prevent slick conditions.
