Safety Solutions

For many schools and organizations winter time represents a season of slip/fall accidents due to snow and ice conditions that end up being costly workers compensation claims.  While these claims may be costly due to doctor's visits and lost time from work the greatest cost is in the employees personal pain and suffering and the loss of that person as a valued team member at work.  

When we experience unusual events such as snow storms or other related conditions there is no "down side" to sending out a friendly reminder from your safety committee reminding folks of the basics.  Here is one that I sent out today to all 1,300 IU13 employees.  Feel free to cut/paste and customize to your organization and send it out.  

With just a few days until the official start of spring we have been hit with our largest snow/ice accumulation for the winter. 

While we may all be anxious for spring it is worth noting that for the next few days we will be experiencing both parking lot and side walk conditions at our workplaces and schools that may be experiencing snow drifting, ice and daily refreezing of surfaces.

Here at Burle Park our lots and sidewalks look much like our own walks and driveways at home but even with that level of care slips and falls may occur.

We want to remind you of three things:

1. Wear appropriate footwear. If all you have is those “ugly snow boots” don’t be afraid to bring your professional shoes with you and change once you are inside.  This short term inconvenience could save you a long term problem should you experience a slip/fall accident during the next few days.

2. If you do fall at work be sure to notify your supervisor and contact your Workers Compensation carrier and report a claim.

3. Report unusually hazardous conditions to your supervisor immediately. If you discover a hazardous condition at your place of work, beyond the normal slush and ice from a plowed parking lot or sidewalk, notify your supervisor so we can contact the appropriate maintenance personnel to address it.

Thanks for all you do to keep yourself and your coworkers safe while working. 

We look forward to spring soon!

The IU13 Safety Committee

Happy Wednesday! Spring is right around the corner. This is John Baker for safetysolutions4schools.com