The Jambar

Issue date: 2/9/10 Section: News

Media Credit: Nick Young/The Jambar

With ice and snow on campus, slips and falls are not far behind. The stairs, the ice-covered walkways and the wet floors even indoors can become hazardous. The Department of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety has released some helpful information about how to be safe on campus and avoid sliding and falling.

Susan Viglione, Associate Director of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety, said, "Awareness and action are the key components to reducing slips and falls." The Health and Safety Department itself recommends to "avoid routes that have not been cleared or appear to be glazed over." However, most students realize to get to any number of their classes requires walking through less common areas that may not be as clear.

Avoiding falls in the winter can start with changing simple things like the type of footwear most appropriate for wet grounds.

The department recommends alternatives to regular shoes, like boots, which are more likely to prevent falls on rough concrete surfaces whether they are wet or dry. Another alternative to boots would simply be shoes with nonskid soles.

When it comes to walking indoors, snow can be tracked in easily, creating slippery floors. The department recommends a couple of ways to avoid falling: "Walking with the feet pointed slightly outward," and "Make wide turns at corners." It is also good to report extremely wet halls to help other students and faculty members avoid slippery areas, around corners especially, which they may not see.

The most important thing to remember when walking in the winter is pretty much the same as driving. Be cautious and aware of hazardous conditions. Viglione stated, "My number one recommendation, which is applicable in many situations, is to focus on where you're going, what you're doing, and what lies ahead." This is the best way to avoid falling and to enjoy the winter season.

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