Winter Traction Tips Go-To Winter Items Ice Melts Salt products create a safe walking environment on sidewalks, driveways, and steps by melting ice and providing traction. Many are formulated to be harmless to vegetation. Salt Spreaders For winter use, the salt spreader is either a push-type cart or an add-on for ATVs that spreads salt across icy areas. Snow Blowers Using a rapidly spinning auger, a snow blower clears snow from the ground and then “blows” it to a desired area via a discharge chute. Snow blowers (aka snow throwers) vary in snow-clearing capabilities between one-stage, two-stage, and three-stage. Snow Shovel Designed specifically for snow removal, snow shovels come in different sizes and designs. Each style moves snow in a different way. Popular options are wide pushers and deeper options that allow users to scoop and throw snow to a new location. Entrance Scraper Mat Great for both indoor and outdoor use, these are designed to scrape off dirt, grime, and snow on shoes, trapping it in the base of the mat, preventing the debris and wetness from entering an area. Slips and falls are the #1 cause of workers’ comp claims. Over 20% of ER visits are due to slips and falls. Tips for Employers •Keep parking lots and walkways clear of snow and ice. Don’t get caught by surprise. Monitor the weather and expect slippery conditions. •Clear ice and snow before workers need to get in or out of the parking lot. •Use salt, sand, or another proven anti-slip material to keep lots and walkways clear. •Ensure outdoor workers wear appropriate footwear. •Provide good lighting and clear path markings in lots and walkways. •Clearly identify steps, ramps, and other elevation changes. •Clean up any indoor spills or wet areas immediately and mark the area. •Secure mats and rugs that do not lay flat. •Define and communicate everyone’s role in preventing slips and falls. •Encourage and reward workers for reporting slip, trip and fall hazards, incidents and close calls. For the U.S., 35 states have an average snowfall over 10". Talk Date:______________________________ Supervisor/Facilitator:_______________________________________ Location:_______________________________ Department:______________________________________________ SAFETY FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT: SAFETYQUESTIONS@FASTENAL.COM OR 1-833-FNL-SAFE WF_396450 JP 11/01 20.11
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