Brock’s Health, Safety and Wellness is sharing easy ways to reduce the risk of weather-related slips, trips and falls.

“With a little planning, and by slowing down and paying attention, we can keep ourselves and each other safer this winter,” says Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Kayla Wilcox. “Before leaving your home, check the weather forecast and ensure you are dressed appropriately for the conditions with proper footwear and warm clothing.”

Wilcox also recommends not carrying too many items and avoiding carrying large objects that reduce visibility and limit the ability to land safely in case of a fall.

Tips to help avoid injury:

• Allow extra travel time if snow is forecasted.
• Take extra care when entering or exiting a vehicle as ice can build up between parked vehicles more than in the aisles.
• Walk slowly and carefully on icy or snowy surfaces.
• Pay attention and avoid texting while walking.
• Keep feet planted shoulder-width apart to increase stability.
• Don’t take shortcuts through non-pedestrian areas, such as snowbanks or unofficial paths.
• Follow illuminated travel routes after sunset.
• Brush off debris from pant legs and footwear and shake off water from umbrellas and jackets before entering a building.

“The return of colder weather is always an opportunity to pause and think about prevention,” says Wilcox. “While safety should be top of mind all year, it is a good time to step up our diligence by taking appropriate precautions.”

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Brock’s Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention Program.

Slippery or unsafe conditions on outdoor pedestrian surfaces can be reported to the Facilities Management Customer Service One Call Hotline at 905-688-5550 x3717 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, or if the University is closed, urgent slip and trip circumstances can be reported to Campus Safety Services at 905-688-5550 x3200.

If an incident, injury, near miss or health and safety hazard is observed, report it to a person of authority such as an area supervisor or Brock employee. Circumstances should be reported through an injury/incident report. Completed reports and questions can be directed to besafe@brocku.ca