Prevent public enemy No. 1 this winter: Slip-and-falls

Slips-and-falls are the most common wintertime accident among school employees. The most common cause of slips-and-falls is slippery walking surfaces. Getting staff to be a little more cautious and doing a few preventive things yourself may be all you need to avoid winter slips-and-falls and their impact on your workers' comp costs.

Prevention requires teamwork
School administration and employees share in recognizing, avoiding and controlling slip-and-fall hazards.

Don't ignore the common-sense things that can keep slips-and-falls from happening.

• Have a snow-removal plan to keep parking lots, walkways and entrances free of ice and snow.
• Maintain supplies of ice melt, sand and snow removal equipment.
• Assign employees to remove snow, perhaps making snow removal part of their job descriptions.
• Recognize any changes in your environment since last winter.
• Train employees on safe ways to avoid
  slips-and-falls.

• Clean up spills promptly.
• Maintain good housekeeping in their work areas. 
• Report hazards to the building principal or maintenance department.
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Stay on the path and avoid ice and slush when possible.
• Only carry loads they can handle safely.
• Drive safely. Take extra care in school parking lots. Watch for pedestrians.