Winter Walking: Tips to Prevent Slips and Falls

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The posters shown here demonstrate some strategies for avoiding slips and falls.  If you notice a slippery surface, call Facilities Operations at (315) 229-5601 M-F 7:30 am - 3:30 pm or Safety and Security at (315) 229-5555 after hours and on weekends to report the location.

Winter Walking

Slip/Trip/Fall Prevention and Winter Safety Training  

Even with our Grounds crew working hard, there may be slippery spots.  When walking outdoors, consider these tips:

Image of a person in winter clothing walking down slippery stairs. When using stairs. always use the hand rail. Don't hold your phone! It can distract you and put you off balance. Wearing a backpack instead of carrying a bag will keep both hands free. Wear boots or shoes with textured soles. Carry indoor shoes like high heels and smooth-soled shoes in your bag or backpack.
  • When using stairs. always use the hand rail.
  • Don't hold your phone!  It can distract you and put you off balance.  Wearing a backpack instead of carrying a bag will keep both hands free.
  • Wear boots or shoes with textured soles.  Carry indoor shoes like high heels and smooth-soled shoes in your bag or backpack. 
  • Walk like a penguin.  Take smaller steps, lean forward a little and keep your hands free to maintain balance.
Image of a person stepping out of a car in a parking lot. Sometimes you can't tell by looking that black ice or slick surfaces are waiting for you in a parking lot. When you first exit your car, consider these points: Maintain three points of contact when stepping out of your vehicle. Use caution when shifting your weight to exit a vehicle, and test the surface before taking a stride. Use your vehicle for support. Don't grab your coffee or bag as you are exiting. Exit the vehicle, then retrieve it

Avoiding spills in the parking lot

Sometimes you can't tell by looking that black ice or slick surfaces are waiting for you in a parking lot.  When you first exit your car, consider these points:

  • Maintain three points of contact when stepping out of your vehicle.
  • Use caution when shifting your weight to exit a vehicle, and test the surface before taking a stride.
  • Use your vehicle for support.
  • Don't grab your coffee or bag as you are exiting.  Exit the vehicle, then retrieve items.
Image of a person in winter clothing about to open the door to enter a building. Wipe your feet on the mat when entering a building. Traction cleats and Yaktracks can be dangerous on smooth floors! Take them off immediately when you get inside. Watch out for puddles and ice.

Entering buildings

  • Wipe your feet on the mat when entering a building. 
  • Traction cleats and Yaktracks can be dangerous on smooth floors!  Take them off immediately when you get inside.
  • Watch out for puddles and ice.