The risk of slipping and falling during winter is very high. This is because the falling snow creates a slippery wet surface all over and if you aren’t careful, it’s easy to get injured.
A lot of entities and organizations understand the risks that come with ice. As a result, they have devised several safety tips that can help you stay safe out there.
We have listed some of these tips here below.
- Use Handrails
Stability is everything when walking on ice and it will go a long way in preventing indoor slip and fall.
There are of course several ways to maintain that stability but if you have the option to use handrails as you walk, don’t hesitate.
Handrails ensure that even if your feet slip on the ice, you can use your hands to hold onto the railing and prevent a fall. The bad thing is that handrails often only apply to indoor spaces.
- Be Careful Where You Walk
A lot of people assume that just because they are walking on a pavement that has recently been shoveled, they are safe.
Yes, shoveling and pouring salt or sand will help clear a lot of ice from the road. But believe me, it won’t clear everything.
There will still be small patches of ice along the way and they pose a real risk of slipping. In that case, avoid walking fast on ice.
Take shorter steps slowly and keep your eyes focused on the road. This will make it easier for you to spot any patches of ice before they become a hazard.
- Avoid Black Ice
It’s always a great idea to be alert on the ice. It will help you navigate safely. But it’s important to pay special attention to black ice which can be relatively harder to see.
Black ice is sometimes referred to as invisible ice. It’s the most dangerous form of ice for both drivers and pedestrians.
But what exactly is black ice? Well, it’s frozen water but it has a way of blending into the surroundings. What appears to be a normal pavement or tarmac may turn out to be a slippery ice surface. This is why you have to always be extra careful with it.
- Be Careful When Getting Out of the Car
There are many slip and fall accidents that occur the moment someone steps out of the car. When you’re driving, you become oblivious of the real weather conditions outside.
So naturally, you’ll get out of the car thinking that you’re stepping on a hard surface only to find slippery ice waiting for you. This can turn into an extremely dangerous situation.
- Wear the Right Shoes
Certain shoe brands are just made for the slippery winter. These shoes often have very good traction and are going to offer you that extra bit of protection on the ice that you need so much.
Water-resistant boots with rubber treads at the bottom should be a great start for you as well.