People wake up one morning to the heaviest snowfall of the season. They have to shovel the car out of their driveway. When they arrive at work, they realize no one has even cleared the snow away from the parking lot, walkways or even building entrances. It is then that they realize they should have worn snow boots.
With the impending onset of winter, many people are focused on getting vehicles and driving habits tuned up for the next few months of snow, slush and ice. That is great, but many people forget that they have to walk from public transportation or their cars to work and often as part of their job, too. Those who are not prepared can put themselves at risk for not only hypothermia, but also nasty falls and other injuries.
Ensure people are aware of these winter walking hazards:
• Reduced hours of daylight make it much more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians.
• Even though they are called winter boots, some products are much more about fashion than safety. A boot with a smooth sole will increase the hazard of slipping on ice or snow.
• In areas that lack sidewalks, plowed roads are often much narrower in winter. That means approaching drivers have less room to maneuver around pedestrians.
• Many sidewalks are not cleared of snow, which then hardens into ice and makes walking dangerous.
• If someone is underdressed for weather conditions and it is so cold that all he or she can think of is getting inside a warm building, that person's eyes might be averted to the ground instead of watching for traffic.
• When road conditions get treacherous -- especially in a hilly city or town, pedestrians and drivers alike may find themselves unable to stop. Imagine a pedestrian sliding into a busy intersection.
• Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
These winter walking tips can help keep people on their feet:
• Dress for the conditions. Ensure people are warm and visible to traffic.
• Wear footwear with slip-resistant soles. It can help keep a person upright.
• If sidewalks are impassible or there are not any, walk facing traffic as close as possible to the curb.
• Try not to carry heavy packages, which can affect balance on slippery streets and sidewalks.
• Just because a person has the right of way does not mean that traffic will be able to stop in slippery conditions. Do not step onto a crosswalk until traffic has stopped.
• Taking shorter steps and bending your knees slightly will reduce your chances of falling.
• Wear bright clothing or reflective gear at night.
Be prepared before going to work in the cold. That is a key to meeting the challenges of winter work.
Social Sharing