Page 42 - Occupational Health & Safety, November 2017

FALL PROTECTION
Prepare Now to Eliminate Fall Hazards This Winter
People living in cold-weather climates can take winter hazards for granted, but this can make it easier to overlook or dismiss hazards that can be easily eliminated before the temperature drops.
BY KAREN D. HAMEL
Ice and snow aren’t the only things that increase the likelihood of slip and fall injuries during the winter months. Identifying walking surface im- perfections and preparing for winter hazards now
can eliminate or reduce the chance of slip and fall in- cidents this winter.
Slips, trips, and falls to the same level continue to be one of the leading causes of lost worktime injuries, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And, they are far more common in winter months. Being pre- pared involves more having than having a shovel and a bag of rock salt. Eliminating hazards before winter
hits and having a plan to keep snow and ice in check will help reduce slip and fall risks.
Identify Hazards
Some winter hazards like snow and ice are obvious things to plan for. But other hazards may not be as noticeable in the summer or fall. For example, shorter days and longer nights during winter months reduce visibility, making walking surface hazards harder to see in early morning and evening hours if there is in- sufficient lighting.
Cracks in sidewalks, uneven walking surfaces and
38 Occupational Health & Safety | NOVEMBER 2017
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