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.

It may seem odd that there are no standards for ice cleats and traction aids, especially when there are regulations for other types of PPE. However, the reason for this is that creating anti-slip regulations for ice and snow is extremely challenging. There are simply too many variables to consider when it comes to creating traction on these surfaces. For example, not all icy or snowy surfaces are the same, and there are different types of fall risk factors to consider, such as pure ice, intermittent ice, black ice, snow on top of ice, ice on top of snow, inclines, and declines. All of these fa[…]

Falls are the world’s leading cause of injuries, sending hundreds of thousands of people to the hospital each year alone. Of those cases, only a fraction happen at work, and an even smaller number involve ice/snow-related slip and falls. But if you’re an employer whose workers spend a lot of time outdoors, even one of these incidents is too many. Fortunately, keeping your workers safe during winter is easier than you might think. In this blog post, we’ll look at ways you can prevent slip and falls and other wintertime injuries. Eliminate The Act of Walking on Compromised Surfaces Think about a[…]