As temperatures drop, the risk of injuries from slips, trips, and falls increases on the farm. Up to 66% of these injuries happen on level ground, not from heights, emphasizing the importance of winter safety.
To prevent these accidents, those who work on the farm need to be extra vigilant and should take greater care in the months ahead.
To avoid injuries, workers should:
- Walk carefully and focus on their path to prevent slipping.
- Stay away from icy areas, wet leaves, and snowbanks when possible.
- Wear slip-resistant footwear and consider ice grippers for extra traction.
- Always use handrails when available and ensure entrances and stairs are free from snow and slush.
- Clean off shoes upon entering to prevent tracking in ice or snow, which could lead to slips, switch to indoor footwear.
- As soon as you identify a hazard take action right away.
- Use salt or sand to reduce the risk of slipping.
- If you are working outdoors for prolonged periods of time, ensure you have appropriate footwear for the weather conditions.
- Provide well-lit walkways and clear markings to the livestock bars for those long walks to the barn in the dead of winter.
- Clean up spills promptly and secure rugs or mats that are not lying flat.
By being proactive and diligent in following these safety guidelines, can help those who work on a farm reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls during the winter season.