Avoiding slips and falls in snow and ice
With the Winter Solstice upon us and several inches of snow behind us, wintry weather may still be in our future. So, how can you avoid slipping and falling when there's snow and ice on the ground? Ravneet Chhokar, our Director of Safety and Compliance, has shared some quick tips to avoid slips and falls.
Defensive Walking:
Just like being a “defensive driver” to avoid accidents, become a “defensive walker” to avoid winter slips, trips, and falls.
- Plan ahead to ensure sufficient time to reach your destination.
- Wear boots with non-slip tread.
- Use care getting in and out of your vehicle. Hold onto the door frame to steady yourself.
- Assume all wet and dark areas on pavement are slippery and icy.
- Walk in designated walkways. Avoid “off-sidewalk short-cuts” – which do not receive maintenance.
- Don’t text & walk at the same time.
- Use available handrails.
- Avoid carrying items in your arms that can cause you to be unbalanced.
Walk Like a Penguin:
- Walk flat-footed.
- Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
- Concentrate on maintaining your balance.
- Keep your head up and don’t lean forward.
- Shorten your stride and walk slowly to safely navigate an icy path.
- Point your feet out slightly to increase stability.
- Keep your arms at your sides (not in your pockets) to maintain balance.
- Do the penguin shuffle.
Project Updates
Library Commons
Construction is going well, but some work has slowed down due to the weather. Structural steel is expected to begin in January, weather permitting. Overall, the entire project is about 14% complete.
PAC Plumbing
Like Library Commons, this project continues to move forward. There are no significant changes to share at this point, but keep watching!
Roofing at FRH & LRH
Roofing has been completed on Founders but work on Lincoln is paused due to weather conditions. The contractors will continue to monitor the weather and resume work when a window of time and the temperatures are suitable for completing the work.
UHB Classroom Lighting
Electricians are resuming the lighting upgrade in UHB classrooms. They will be working on the first and second floors in the coming weeks to replace the old fixtures with new LED flat panels.
Water Main Break Restoration
In the spring, restoration work will be done on the area where the water main break occurred. The soil has been replaced, but it must settle before the sidewalk can be restored. Weather and conditions permitting, restoration work is expected to be completed before commencement.
Everyone in F&S would like to thank you for your support and assistance this past year.
Wishing all a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!
