Winter is almost here. No doubt about it. You can feel the frigid air nipping at your nose and toes when you are outside. That said, this is a good time to start thinking about safety tips to prevent injuries due to fall-related accidents.
Thousands of Canadians are Injured Due to Fall-Related Accidents
Every year, nearly 60,000 Canadians are injured due to fall-related accidents, according to the most recent (2003) statistics from the Association of Workers Compensation Board of Canada.
Many of these accidents occur during the winter months when interior and exterior floors, steps and walkways are wet, icy and slippery.
Buy Footwear with Good Traction
One important step to prevent falls and injuries is to invest in good footwear such as walking shoes and winter boots that have good traction. But there is more you can do to protect yourself against slips, trips and falls in and out of your home, neighbourhood, and work place.
Safety Tips to Consider
Consider the following safety tips to eliminate or minimize the hazards of falling:
Inspect the interior and exterior of your premises on a regular basis for unsafe conditions that could lead to slips and falls.
During periods of inclement weather, all entrances to homes and businesses should have mats or rugs to help keep the floor clean and dry.
Damaged mats should be replaced as soon as possible. Frayed edges or mats that are curled-up at the corners are especially dangerous. Replace the damaged mats with the non-slip variety or with mats that are secured with rubber padding.
Any damage to stairs, railings, exterior lighting, sidewalks and pavement should be repaired as soon as possible. Businesses should post signs and/or barriers until such time as repairs are completed.
Remove snow and ice as soon as possible. Water, melted snow and other spills should be mopped up immediately. Keep a towel or mop handy near the door for those quick wipe-ups. For businesses a "Caution-Wet Floor" sign should be posted.
Have the appropriate equipment, tools and materials available for use in case of a weather related emergency including warm blankets, shovels, mop, pail, rags, towels, flashlights, extra batteries, candles, matches, bottled water, and extra food and beverages.
The right tool for the project will save you time and grief. You may want to consider having a power pack handy around your home. And keep a shovel, broom, regular kitty litter and sand outside by your doors. Don't use the clumping kitty litter as it turns into oatmeal when it gets wet and leaves a terrible mess.
For businesses - professional snow removal contractors should be contracted to plow, sand and salt your parking and walkway facilities. Ensure the contractor keeps a comprehensive log of the work performed.
Floors should be kept clean and in good repair at all times, with loose or defective flooring replaced as soon as possible.
For spills involving oil or other industrial materials, absorbent non-combustible cleaning materials should be used.
Clean gutters and down spouts and ensure the water is directed away from entrances, sidewalks and walkways. Check that the exterior lighting is adequate and check on a regular basis for malfunctioning light fixtures.
Above all - Keep Safe!
