--- title: How to Audit Your Facility for Winter Slip Risks description: Winter brings predictable hazards, and slips and falls are at the top of the list. The good news is that most winter related slip risks can be identified and controlled long before the first freeze. image: https://blog.winterwalking.com/hubfs/How_to_audit_202511241546.jpeg --- [![Winter Walking we dont just make ice cleats, we perfect them](https://blog.winterwalking.com/hubfs/Winterwalking_Sep2018/Images/logo.png)](https://www.winterwalking.com/) We don't just make ice cleats, we make slips and falls disappear.® SEARCH ICE CLEATS - [Browse Ice Cleats](https://www.winterwalking.com/ice-cleats/) - [All Ice Cleats](https://www.winterwalking.com/ice-cleats/) - [Ice Cleat Categories](https://www.winterwalking.com/color-coded-categories/) - [Walking Traction](https://www.winterwalking.com/walking-traction/) - [Working Traction](https://www.winterwalking.com/working-traction/) - [Transitional Traction](https://www.winterwalking.com/transitional-traction/) - [About Us](https://www.winterwalking.com/about-us/) - [Resources](https://www.winterwalking.com/slip-fall-tools/) - [Slip Cost Calculator](https://calculator.winterwalking.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.winterwalking.com/) - [Videos](https://content.winterwalking.com/videos-menu) - [Guides](https://content.winterwalking.com/guides) - [Product Training](https://content.winterwalking.com/training) - [Get Started](https://www.winterwalking.com/get-started/) - [Speak With A Product Specialist](https://content.winterwalking.com/product-specialist) - [Become A Distributor](https://content.winterwalking.com/distributor) - [Request A Quote](https://content.winterwalking.com/quote) - [Download Catalog](https://content.winterwalking.com/request-catalog) - [Contact Us](https://content.winterwalking.com/contact) - [Browse Ice Cleats](https://www.winterwalking.com/ice-cleats/) - [All Ice Cleats](https://www.winterwalking.com/ice-cleats/) - [Ice Cleat Categories](https://www.winterwalking.com/color-coded-categories/) - [Walking Traction](https://www.winterwalking.com/walking-traction/) - [Working Traction](https://www.winterwalking.com/working-traction/) - [Transitional Traction](https://www.winterwalking.com/transitional-traction/) - [About Us](https://www.winterwalking.com/about-us/) - [Resources](https://www.winterwalking.com/slip-fall-tools/) - [Slip Cost Calculator](https://calculator.winterwalking.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.winterwalking.com/) - [Videos](https://content.winterwalking.com/videos-menu) - [Guides](https://content.winterwalking.com/guides) - [Product Training](https://content.winterwalking.com/training) - [Get Started](https://www.winterwalking.com/get-started/) - [Speak With A Product Specialist](https://content.winterwalking.com/product-specialist) - [Become A Distributor](https://content.winterwalking.com/distributor) - [Request A Quote](https://content.winterwalking.com/quote) - [Download Catalog](https://content.winterwalking.com/request-catalog) - [Contact Us](https://content.winterwalking.com/contact) # How to Audit Your Facility for Winter Slip Risks By [Justin Phillips](https://blog.winterwalking.com/author/justin-phillips) 11/25/25, 8:31 AM Listen to this blog 3:01 ## A practical checklist for safety managers Winter brings predictable hazards, and slips and falls are at the top of the list. The good news is that most winter related slip risks can be identified and controlled long before the first freeze. A [structured facility audit](https://content.winterwalking.com/the-most-effective-ways-to-reduce-slips-and-falls-on-ice-and-snow) helps safety managers pinpoint problem areas, strengthen controls, and reduce preventable injuries. [![How to Audit Your Facility for Winter Slip Risks](https://blog.winterwalking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How_to_audit_202511241546.jpeg?width=1376&height=768&name=How_to_audit_202511241546.jpeg)](https://www.winterwalking.com/ice-cleats/) ### Why a winter slip risk audit matters Ice, slush, tracked in moisture, temperature swings, and reduced daylight all contribute to unsafe walking conditions. A winter audit helps you:  - Identify high risk zones - Review traffic patterns - Check surface conditions - Evaluate current controls - Decide where traction aids should be required - Make a plan before the season begins --- ### Step 1: Map your high traffic zones Walk your entire facility and mark every area where employees, visitors, or vehicle operators frequently travel. Key places include:  - Building entrances and exits - Parking lots and sidewalks - Loading docks and ramps - Outdoor stairways - Between building pathways - Break areas that require stepping outside --- ### Step 2: Identify surface types and their seasonal behavior Not all surfaces react the same way in winter. Look for:  - Smooth concrete that becomes slick when wet - Metal decking or grating that ices quickly - Painted or coated surfaces - Tile or polished flooring inside entryways - Areas with poor drainage or pooling water --- ### Step 3: Review your current controls Evaluate the tools and procedures already in place. Check for:  - De icing materials and application schedules - Properly placed mats, especially at entrances - Adequate lighting in exterior walkways - Salt storage and availability - Signage for wet or icy conditions - Existing traction aid policies --- ### Step 4: Talk to workers Employees know the site better than anyone. Ask:  - Where do you feel least stable during winter - Which areas ice over the fastest - Where have you seen near misses - What surfaces stay slippery even after salting - Whether their footwear or traction aids worked well last year --- ### Step 5: Match controls to risk level Once hazards are identified, assign the right control measures. Examples include:  - Additional de icing coverage in high risk zones - Upgrading mats at slippery entryways - Installing handrails on frequently used stairs - Improving lighting in dim outdoor areas - Mandating traction aids for specific roles, shifts, or routes --- ### Step 6: Document, prioritize, and schedule fixes An audit only works if it leads to action. Organize your findings into:  - High priority items that need immediate attention - Moderate risk items that require scheduling - Long term improvements such as resurfacing or equipment upgrades --- ### Final Thoughts: A winter slip risk audit is one of the most important steps a safety leader can take to protect workers. With clear planning, proper controls, and the right [traction equipment](https://www.winterwalking.com/ice-cleats/), injuries can be prevented before they ever occur.  [GET THE CORRECT ICE CLEATS FOR YOUR TEAM](https://www.winterwalking.com/ice-cleats/) - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) [ice cleats](https://blog.winterwalking.com/topic/ice-cleats), [safety audit](https://blog.winterwalking.com/topic/safety-audit) [![Winter workplace risk calculator](https://blog.winterwalking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/calculator-cta3.png?width=600&height=600&name=calculator-cta3.png "Winter workplace risk calculator")](https://calculator.winterwalking.com/) [![Learn How to Choose the Best Ice Cleats for Your Employees](https://blog.winterwalking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/choose-best-ice-cleats.png?width=600&height=600&name=choose-best-ice-cleats.png "Learn How to Choose the Best Ice Cleats for Your Employees")](https://traction.winterwalking.com/) #### Winter Walking Safety Resources [**Choose the Right Ice Cleats for your crew →**](https://traction.winterwalking.com/) [**Estimate Your Winter Slip-and-Fall Exposure →**](https://calculator.winterwalking.com/) [**View Our Catalog →**](https://content.winterwalking.com/request-catalog) [**View Our Entire Line of Ice Cleats →**](https://www.winterwalking.com/ice-cleats/) [**Winter Safety Articles →**](https://blog.winterwalking.com/)[**Winter Safety Videos →**](https://content.winterwalking.com/videos-menu) [REQUEST A QUOTE](https://content.winterwalking.com/quote?__hstc=208155597.c57e3422393f88804b248335e72a41f3.1536042196367.1536070966126.1536122502992.5&__hssc=208155597.1.1536122502992&__hsfp=877493044) [DOWNLOAD CATALOG](https://content.winterwalking.com/request-catalog?__hstc=208155597.c57e3422393f88804b248335e72a41f3.1536042196367.1536070966126.1536122502992.5&__hssc=208155597.1.1536122502992&__hsfp=877493044) [CONTACT US](https://content.winterwalking.com/contact?__hstc=208155597.c57e3422393f88804b248335e72a41f3.1536042196367.1536070966126.1536122502992.5&__hssc=208155597.1.1536122502992&__hsfp=877493044) #### Winter Walking 400 Babylon Road Horsham, PA 19044 p: [1-888-NO-SLIPS (667-5477)](tel:1-888-667-5477) f: 1-215-441-9642 All content copyright 2026. 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Do not reuse or reproduce without permission. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Justin Phillips", "url" : "https://blog.winterwalking.com/author/justin-phillips" }, "dateModified" : "2025-11-26T16:04:27.840Z", "datePublished" : "2025-11-25T13:31:45.000Z", "headline" : "How to Audit Your Facility for Winter Slip Risks", "image" : [ "https://blog.winterwalking.com/hubfs/How_to_audit_202511241546.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.winterwalking.com/how-to-audit-your-facility-for-winter-slip-risks", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.winterwalking.com/hubfs/WinterWalking_August2017/Images/logo.png" }, "name" : "Winter Walking" } } ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://blog.winterwalking.com/how-to-audit-your-facility-for-winter-slip-risks" }, "headline": How to Audit Your Facility for Winter Slip Risks<\/span>, "description": Winter brings predictable hazards, and slips and falls are at the top of the list. The good news is that most winter related slip risks can be identified and controlled long before the first freeze., "image": [ https:\/\/3833245.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net\/hubfs\/3833245\/How_to_audit_202511241546.jpeg ], "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": Justin Phillips }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": Winter Walking, "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": https:\/\/cdn2.hubspot.net\/hubfs\/3833245\/WinterWalking_August2017\/Images\/logo.png } }, "datePublished": "2025-11-25 13:31:45", "dateModified": "1764173067843", "url": "https://blog.winterwalking.com/how-to-audit-your-facility-for-winter-slip-risks" } ```