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OSU Extension

College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

CFAES
December 20, 2018 - 12:12pm -- ferencak.2@osu.edu

Winter brings icy conditions to the farm, with an increased risk for slips and falls resulting in injury.  Recently the OSU Extension Ag Safety program released the following tips to help prevent winter slips and falls.

  • Use the proper footwear that can provide some slip resistance and traction.
  • Take short steps or shuffle, and try to ensure your torso stays balanced over your feet.
  • Keep your hands out of your pockets. You can help break your fall with your hands free if you do start to slip and by placing your arms out to your side can help to maintain your balance.
  • Utilize handrails and grab bars, or follow a fence line in an effort to maintain your stability by holding on to a solid object.
  • If applying salt to travel paths is not an option, apply sand, gravel, kitty litter, floor dry or some abrasive substance to provide a texture for traction.
  • Use grassy areas as a secondary travel path.  This will provide a course texture to increase traction while walking.
  • Take extra precaution around livestock watering areas. Ice can form in these areas by water being splashed or dripped around the perimeter of the tank.
  • Minimize distractions to remain alert to icy hazards and avoid carrying bulky items that block your view
  • When transitioning from the bright outdoor environment to indoor areas, stop briefly to allow your vision to catch up with the change in lighting, in order to recognize hazards ahead.
  • Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles or equipment; use the vehicle for support.
  • Use 3 points of contact when mounting or dismounting large equipment (1 hand / 2 feet) or (2 hands / 1 foot). Ensure there is solid footing on the ground before final dismounting.