All posts by Bill Coyne

Now, when the word "winter" is mentioned, safety professionals immediately feel a shift in the atmosphere. They know that their job has become even more challenging - finding the most effective and safest ways to protect their employees who work in icy and snowy conditions. So let me ask you a few questions: Are you tired of endlessly searching online, attempting to determine which ice cleat or traction aid is the best option? Are you frustrated with purchasing a recommended traction aid, only to discover that your employees despise wearing them?

Winter slips and falls on snow and ice can be a major concern for companies of all sizes. While large companies tend to prioritize safety and continually learn and evolve their policies, smaller companies may implement a safety program and then shift their focus elsewhere. However, this can be a costly mistake. I once had a conversation with a senior executive who experienced several high-cost incidents at his company due to slips and falls on snow and ice during a winter storm. Upon investigating the accidents, it became clear that the employees who slipped and fell were not wearing ice cleat[…]

When it comes to ice cleats, there are typically two prevailing perspectives. Some people view ice cleats as a last-ditch effort, only wearing them when absolutely necessary. On the other hand, there are those who see ice cleats as an integral part of workplace safety gear. Consider this: why do your employees use the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they have today? In most cases, companies require certain PPE items as a condition of employment. Safety glasses, hard hats, steel-toe boots, high-visibility clothing, and fire-retardant apparel are all mandatory in many workplaces. Why? It's b[…]

Indeed, the market for ice cleats and winter traction aids can be overwhelming. With our extensive research spanning over four decades, we have gathered the necessary knowledge to support safety professionals in minimizing slip and fall incidents during the winter season. To simplify the options available in the marketplace, here are some helpful tips. Let's start by exploring the two most crucial types of traction aids. 1. TRANSITIONAL TRACTION® - Can be worn both inside and outside without being removed.

Who doesn't love winter? With the snow falling gently from the sky, it transforms the world into a picturesque wonderland. It's a time when families come together, hot cocoa is sipped by the fireplace, and memories are made. However, not everyone shares the same sentiment when it comes to winter. For safety professionals, the arrival of winter brings with it a sense of apprehension and concern. As the temperature drops and the ground becomes covered in a blanket of snow and ice, slips and falls become a common occurrence. This is especially worrisome for safety professionals whose main priorit[…]

During a conversation with a safety director from a renowned multinational corporation, he shared with me the challenges they faced with slip and fall accidents caused by icy and snowy conditions. Determined to find a solution, they delved into extensive research, testing, and thorough analysis. Ultimately, they made the decision to invest in ice cleats that they believed were the best available at that time. (Just to clarify, these were not the ice cleats produced by my company.)