Slips, trips and falls are common workplace injuries, especially during the winter. As temperatures drop, sidewalks and pathways become icy and uneven, increasing the risk of accidents. Building entrances, exits, outdoor stairs, ramps, and parking lots can all become slippery in wet or icy conditions, creating additional hazards. Staying vigilant and maintaining safe conditions is crucial to preventing winter-related injuries.
To reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls:
- Wear winter-appropriate, insulated, slip-resistant footwear.
- Ensure shoes are well-fitting and support your feet to prevent discomfort and injury.
- Stay alert for hazards like icy walkways and uneven surfaces, and take extra care in these areas.
- For outdoor work, wear insulated and waterproof boots to avoid cold-related injuries and keep feet dry.
- For office workers, be cautious of wet floors or tracked-in snow and water, which can create slip hazards indoors.
York University’s Facilities Services team plays a key role in ensuring winter safety by monitoring weather conditions and clearing snow from campus roads, pathways and parking lots. For more details, visit the Facilities Services website.
To report an icy area or request snow removal, contact Facilities Services at 416-736-2100, ext. 22401. For urgent issues outside regular office hours, contact Security Services at 416-736-5333 (or on a campus phone at ext. 33333).
For more tips, refer to York’s “Tips to Avoid Winter Slips, Trips and Falls” posters, which are available for download:
- Keele and Markham Campus – English; Keele and Markham Campus – French
- Glendon Campus – English; Glendon Campus – French