Prevent slips, trips, and falls while walking on job sites in wet and icy weather.
- Wear slip-resistant footwear with good traction (utilize cleats such as Yaktrax, etc. as needed)
- Avoid shoes with smooth soles
- Take shorter steps at a slower pace on icy pavement
- Make and maintain clearly designated walk paths to high-frequency areas, such as porta-potties, building/trailer access points, toolboxes, general accessways, etc.
- Hold onto the handrails when using stairs
- Keep your hands free to catch yourself if you start to fall
- Use a cart and take the elevator/equipment lift (if applicable) when carrying large items
- Put away your mobile device and avoid walking while distracted
- Use caution when stepping off curbs and walking up or down steep slopes
- Don’t rush! Give yourself extra time to get to your destination
- Wipe your feet on a mat when you enter a building to remove excess water
- Store wet coats and umbrellas away from walkways
Use caution when walking in parking lots.
- Avoid wearing headphones so you can hear cars approaching
- Watch for moving cars and heavy equipment – a driver may not be able to see you
- Take special care when getting in and out of vehicles when the pavement is slippery or icy
Consider your personal safety on dark winter days.
- Use designated walkways with good lighting (or carry a flashlight) as much as possible
- Walk with other people to increase your visibility and allow others to aid quickly if necessary
- Stay focused and alert
Report unsafe conditions!
Help us identify areas where accidents are likely to occur so we can take steps to keep our job sites safe. Unsafe conditions can be reported anonymously on garco.com. You can include descriptions and upload photos of the conditions.
Slips, trips, and falls are among our most commonly reported accidents this time of the year.
Slips, trips, and falls tend to be more frequent in rainy or icy weather, in darkness, when walking on uneven surfaces, when items are left on the floor, and when we’re hurrying and not paying attention to our surroundings.
All accidents and injuries should be reported to site management and the Safety Department.
Take care and be safe.
