I’ve noticed a trend over the last several years. Organizations, both large and small, are chasing the zero accidents/incidents dream. And, I’m sorry to report, this is a goal they just won’t reach. Because there’s a seasonal safety hazard that’s a ticking time bomb. It’s called winter. And it’s right around the corner. Most of you will likely have had one or more winter storms with ice and snow before winter’s official start on December 21st. If you live in a cold-weather state in the U.S or a cold-weather province in Canada, it’s not “if” winter is coming, but when.

When purchasing a safety item for your employees, it is fair to consider whether the item you are purchasing is too expensive. While you would generally expect a company to spend whatever it takes to keep everyone as safe as possible, that might not always be the case. As a matter of fact, from a pure numbers standpoint, it might even make sense to let the accidents happen.

Have you ever purchased ice cleats in the past and regretted the choice? Why? Perhaps you had a slip and fall incident and made a “reactive” decision that resulted in buying the cheapest thing you could find online or at your local big box retailer? Perhaps you then heard nothing but complaints from your people: “I can’t wear these indoors.” “My ice cleat broke.” “My cleats keep falling off.”

If your employees work outside in winter, chances are, your company has paid the price for slips and falls. Let’s look at why this may still be happening. Are you just too busy to combat this seasonal, yet expensive, problem? Have you tried an ice cleat in the past and it didn’t work? Have you just given up, thinking that all ice cleats are the same? Whether you call them ice cleats, snow spikes or crampons, remember this...

Did you know that every winter slip and fall your employees had could have been prevented? Here’s how: Don’t allow your employees to walk or work outdoors in the winter months when ice and snow are present. For most of you, that’s impossible, so what’s the real solution? Employees need well-fitted and appropriate winter traction aids to help keep them safe and productive while walking and working outdoors in winter. And let’s face it, your safety record will boil down to how seriously you take the threat of snow and ice.

A few weeks ago we had a snow storm where in live (outside Philadelphia, PA) it was about 14 inches of snow mixed with some sleet as well. Needless to say it wasn’t the safest conditions to work or walk outdoors for several days. I was having a conversation with a co-worker as we were walking out the door. We got to the parking lot and finished up. He started walking to his car and almost slipped and fell on the ice! Our parking lot was a real mess with sporadic ice all over. It occurred to me he wasn’t wearing the ice cleats that we manufacture (AND he sells). Realizing it was a near miss I t[…]