WalkSafe: Avoiding These “Four-Letter Words”

Nov. 2021

Avoiding These “Four-Letter Words”

At United Heartland, we’re not fans of a few “four-letter words:” slip, trip and fall. So, to help you  avoid them and prepare you for the wintry conditions that have already started to appear in several parts of the country, we’re launching our TENTH (!) annual WalkSafe campaign.

In honor of 10 years of WalkSafe, we’re sharing 10 quick tips in each campaign message to help you avoid those troublesome four-letter words this year and for the next 10 to come!

1. Signs of snow: If snow or freezing rain is in the forecast, proactively place safety cones and signs near walkways, entrances and steps to alert employees to slip and fall hazards.
2. Early risers: If snow falls overnight, designated personnel should inspect the grounds before employees arrive and then throughout the day to apply treatments as needed.
3. Shortcuts: Place temporary barricades to prevent employees from creating make-shift paths which could increase the likelihood of a fall injury.
4. Bright idea: Temperature-sensitive or LED signs are great tools to alert employees about conditions as they are entering or exiting the parking lot.
5. Watch your footing when clearing your car: It’s always important to clear your vehicle of snow and ice before driving, but this can result in making the ground around your vehicle ice- or snow-covered. Proper footwear can help avoid potential slips.
6. Tire test: Ensure your tires have adequate air pressure and treads are at least 1/16 of an inch or greater for the best traction.
7. Wipe on, wipe off: Good visibility is a must when driving, especially during winter when your vision may be obstructed by road splashes, sleet, snow or even salt residue. Replace your wiper blades every six to 12 months for optimum performance and visibility.
8. Fill up on fluid: Fill up with high-quality windshield washer fluid with low freezing temps –  and remember to keep your gas tank topped-off too.
9. Defensive driving: Check road conditions and traffic before heading out, identify your route ahead of time and leave early so you have plenty of time to get to your destination.
10. Exiting a vehicle: As you exit your vehicle, brace yourself with the car door until you can test your footing and check for slick spots. Scan the direction of travel looking for icy areas that may be hidden by a recent snowfall.

All winter long, you can visit our website to access an entire library of materials that provide guidance on weather-related safety. For more news and information about winter safety, visit our WalkSafe campaign page at UnitedHeartland.com/WalkSafe.