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Nearly 1 in 6 workplace accidents in Ohio are related to slips, trips, and falls. Wet or slippery surfaces are a major factor, especially during winter when wet and icy surfaces are more commonplace.

The first step to making the workplace safer is to find the hazards before they lead to injury. The next step is to correct them. That’s why the BWC safety team is spreading the safety love this week with a list of winter safety reminders to ensure your agricultural work family stays safe and protected all winter long.

Identify potential hazards

Look around to determine areas that could result in a fall, especially in inclement weather. Pay attention to areas that are poorly lit, have slippery or uneven surfaces, or may contain tripping hazards such as hoses, cords, buckets, and farm tools and equipment. Determine the steps to take to control and eliminate these potential causes of injury.

Wear winter gear

Wear appropriate coats, hats, gloves, and shoes that will protect your feet from the elements and make sure your shoes provide good traction. Remove or wipe off wet shoes before coming inside to prevent creating wet surfaces inside. A mat and signage can be used to aid in ensuring wet items don’t lead to slips, trips, and falls inside.

Check lighting

Make sure everyone on your team knows to inform management if lighting is not working properly in or around your work areas. Replacing any poor lighting should be a top priority during winter.

Keep it clean and tidy

Keep work and entrance areas tidy. This means not leaving shovels and other snow/ice removal equipment cluttered in entrance areas. Clear all walkways of debris, equipment, and winter gear.

Observe ladder safety

If you must use a ladder, make sure it’s resting on a clean, dry, and stable surface. Follow good ladder practices and keep off the top steps. If you must reach for something, move the ladder.

Safety bonus

If you’re looking to improve your safety knowledge this year, consider attending the 2023 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo (OSC23) live and in-person at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, March 8-10, 2023. This popular event will offer educational sessions and continuing education on a variety of topics, including business strategies, manufacturing safety, safety management systems, technology and innovations, and much more. Visit with hundreds of exhibitors to see the latest in safety and health products and services.

When it comes to safety, BWC wants to make sure you don’t slip up! If you would like to schedule a free safety consultation, contact your local BWC service office, call 800-644-6292, or submit a request online. Please have your BWC policy number ready. A safety consultant will contact you within two business days.

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. We’ve got you Covered.

Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio, serving 249,000 public and private employers. With nearly 1,600 employees and assets of approximately $25 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States. For more, visit bwc.ohio.gov.