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 helps safety managers pinpoint problem areas, strengthen controls, and reduce preventable injuries.
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, injuries can be prevented before they ever occur.