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Idaho Transportation
Department

Office of Communications
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563

 


Use care when walking on ice or packed snow

We can learn a lot from a penguin when it comes to walking on ice and packed snow – arms apart, feet spread slightly and short steps or a shuffle for balance and stability. Few penguins are injured by falls.

Walking to and from parking lots or between buildings at work during the winter months requires special attention to avoid slipping and falling. No matter how well snow and ice is removed from parking lots or sidewalks, people still encounter some slippery surfaces when walking indoors or outdoors this time of year.

The greatest risk of injury from a fall tends to occur while getting in and out of vehicles, walking from outdoors to indoors onto tile, or from carpet to tile (wet footwear) and on outdoor slopes or elevation changes, however slight.

ITD Safety and Risk Management Manager Cheryl D. Rost offers the following tips to help reduce personal risk while "ice walking:"

  • Maintain a firm two- or three-point contact with the vehicle until both feet are securely planted. Leave hand-carry items in the vehicle until ready to shut the door. Avoid using an elbow to shut the door. Set one or more hand-carry items down first, get steady and then shut the door with an easy motion.
  • Most slip and fall injuries occur with heel or toe "strikes" that shift unexpectedly. Take very short steps, making sure that the whole shoe contacts the surface.
  • Avoid carrying a heavy or awkward item over irregular ice and snow patterns (e.g. parking lots). Take time to get a cart.
  • Carry purses and briefcases low and by the side. Keep hands out of pockets for better balance and because it provides a chance to either recover from a slip or minimize impact.
  • Do not use a cell phone while walking on icy surfaces. This raises and shifts the center of balance and reduces focus on personal safety while still on a hazardous surface. Stop in a safe location first before making a call.
  • Wear shoes suitable for slick conditions. These include footwear that fit properly, (not loose) with low heels. If needed, have an "indoor" pair to change into after entering the building.
  • Be sure to wipe shoes thoroughly when entering buildings with tile floors. Simply walking over carpet won't dry shoes off immediately, especially near entrances where the carpet is wet or damp from outdoor traffic.
  • It’s important for everyone to be constantly aware of the dangers of winter walking and to learn to walk safely on ice or slippery surfaces, Rost says.

Published 1-11-8