![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.](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_large/public/2021-12/safe%20winter%20walking_walking%20on%20icy%20steps.png?itok=IK0B_G0X)
Winter Walking: Tips to Prevent Slips and Falls
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_large/public/2021-12/safe%20winter%20walking_walking%20on%20icy%20steps.png?itok=IK0B_G0X)
- 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](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_large/public/2021-12/safe%20winter%20walking_getting%20out%20of%20a%20vehicle.png?itok=7pVh8sGc)
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/editor_large/public/2021-12/safe%20winter%20walking_Entering%20a%20building.png?itok=Z1dkyhaw)
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.