05 Feb S.A.F.E. – Preventing Slips and Falls

Originally posted on https://www.accidentfund.com

Providing safe walking surfaces for your employees is a must — especially in the midst of winter weather. By using ice melter on sidewalks, parking lots and other frequently traveled areas, you will protect your employees from slip and fall accidents when at work, even on the nastiest days winter has in store. Remember, ice-melting products are far cheaper than insurance claims and other costs associated with winter weather slips and falls.

When choosing an ice-melting product for your company, keep in mind that it needs to be safe for people and animals that may come into contact with it. Also, be sure to use quality products that won’t damage concrete or landscaping.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Falls are a huge liability for business owners. Many regulatory bodies have legislation that requires a business to take some action to prevent slips and falls. By doing nothing, business owners open themselves up to legal action.
• Less is usually more when it comes to ice melters. Overusing the product can lead to it being unnecessarily tracked into the facility, and can burn the vegetation near where the product is used.
• Following directions for ice melters is important for determining quantity and to ensure proper personal protective equipment is being used during application.
• How quickly de-icers work varies depending on the materials the product is made from. It’s important to use products that melt at the temperatures that generally occur in your region.
• Tracked-in ice melter is unattractive and can damage floors and other surfaces. The best way to prevent ice melt from being tracked into the building is by using track mats both inside and outside your entrances, and to clean them up with a mop or vacuum throughout the day.

Be sure to visit our S.A.F.E. website for more useful information on staying safe during the cold, winter months. Accident Fund policyholders can also log into our website for a variety of additional safety tools and tips.