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As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, there’s one thing Ohioans can count on: the weather will be full of surprises! No matter the weather, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation offers six tips to help prevent slips, trips and falls—one of the top causes of workplace injuries. 

Did you know the No. 1 cause of slips, trips, and falls is wet or slippery surfaces? That makes winter a crucial time to review your safety plan and reinforce these best practices:

Wear appropriate winter gear

When working outdoors, wear proper coats, hats, gloves and footwear that protect you from the elements, and ensure your shoes offer good traction. Remove or wipe off wet footwear before coming inside to prevent creating wet surfaces inside. A mat and signage can be used to aid in ensuring wet items don’t bring slips, trips and falls inside.

Keep it clean and tidy

Put things away when you’re done using them. If you spill something, clean it up right away. Be a team player and keep work areas clean, even if it’s not your mess. You could help prevent a serious accident!

Shine a light

Proper lighting can help illuminate potential hazards. Now is a good time to check that all indoor and outdoor lighting is working properly, especially pathway lights that guide people to and from your work environment.

Respect your ladder

When using a ladder, make sure it’s resting on a clean, dry and stable surface. Follow the directions and keep off the top steps. If you have to reach for something, move the ladder.

Stay alert to hazards

Pay attention to what’s around you. Clear the path before you walk backward. Is it icy? Take it slow and waddle like a penguin to avoid slipping. 

Keep deicers handy 

Store deicers, like salt, close to areas prone to water accumulation and black ice to make slip hazard abatement quick and easy.

Want more winter safety tips?

A safety consultation is a valuable service included at no additional cost with your BWC premium. Our health and safety consultants can help you identify potential hazards and develop a plan to eliminate them. Contact your local BWC service office: call 800-644-6292, or submit a request online to improve the safety of your ag business.

And don’t forget to save the date for the 2025 Ohio Safety Congress & Expo at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, April 16-18, 2025. Attend educational sessions and receive continuing education on a variety of topics, including business strategies, emergency management, industry safety, and much more. It’s all included as part of your workers’ compensation premiums.

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has the safety resources you need

Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio, serving 257,000 public and private employers. With nearly 1,600 employees and assets of approximately $22 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States. For more, visit bwc.ohio.gov.

Photo by Eva Bronzini, pexels.com