When ice and snow blanket campus, it’s important that individuals recognize the hazards of slippery surfaces. Here are helpful hints to help reduce the risk of falling when slippery conditions exist:

• Wear boots or overshoes with slip-resistant soles. Avoid walking in shoes that have smooth surfaces, which increases the risk of slipping.
• Be aware. Be alert to the possibility that you could quickly slip on an unseen patch of ice.
• Walk cautiously. Your arms help keep you balanced, so keep hands out of pockets and avoid carrying heavy loads that may cause you to become off balance.
• Walk “small.” Avoid an erect, marching posture. Look to see ahead of where you step. When you step on icy areas, take short, shuffling steps. You should also avoid walking on your toes or heels. On an icy or slippery surface, you want as much of the sole of your boot or shoe to connect with the surface as possible.
• Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support.

Falls on ice can occur very quickly and usually there is very little opportunity to plan your landing. Regardless, there are a few precautions that can be taken to help reduce the severity of injury.
When a fall occurs:

• Attempt to relax your muscles. It is very natural to tighten them in anticipation of landing on the ground. Injuries can be lessened when the muscles are relaxed.
• Try to avoid landing on your knees, wrists, tailbone, or spine. When possible, you should attempt to fall on a fleshy part of your body, such as your side.
• It’s important to attempt to adjust your body to avoid striking your head. If you begin to fall backwards, you should attempt to lift your head to prevent it from hitting the ground first.

Walking on icy and slippery surfaces can be hazardous. The best way to prevent a fall is to avoid the situation. But when avoidance is not possible, you should apply these tips. They can help to make the difference between a minor and a serious injury or, better yet, no injury at all.

—Submitted by Chris Nickell, Director, Environmental Health & Safety