Winter Safety
This page will include guidance on how to stay safe during the winter.
Winter hazards affect employees and students all over campus each year. They can include injuries due to slipping on ice and falling, hypothermia if the temperatures are low enough, and ergonomic
Winter hazards affect employees and students all over campus each year. Key risks include slipping on ice and falling, hypothermia from extreme cold, and ergonomic strain during cold-weather tasks and snow removal.
Winter Safety Resources
Guidance & Policy Documents:
- Cold-Injury-Prevention-guidance-2024.pdf
- Get Winter Ready: What You Need to Know – UW–Madison Police Department
- Winter Procedures – Transportation Services – UW–Madison
Vector Training Modules
Basic Winter Safety Tips
1. Cold Weather Precautions
- Take Breaks: Regular breaks prevent frostbite, hypothermia, and exhaustion, keeping you alert and healthy.
- Dress in Layers: Layers trap body heat, keeping you warm and reducing the risk of cold-related injuries.
2. Wet Weather & Precipitation
- Stay Dry: Wet clothing causes rapid body heat loss, leading to cold stress.
- Bring Spare Clothes: Changing into dry clothes ensures you stay warm and comfortable.
- Watch for Slippery Floors: Wet entryways increase slip risks. Exercise caution indoors after coming in from outside.
Preventing Slips, Trips, and Falls
- Move Slowly: Taking your time reduces the likelihood of slipping or tripping on ice or wet surfaces.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Select shoes or boots with good traction for stability on icy paths.
- Maintain Balance: Keep proper posture and stay aware of your movement to avoid unexpected falls.
Preparing for Your Shift
- Dress Appropriately: Layering and high-visibility clothing keep you warm and visible in low-light or snowy conditions.
- Warm Up: Stretching prepares your muscles for physical outdoor work, preventing strains and sprains.
- Listen to Your Body: Pause and rest if you feel pain or overexertion to prevent serious injury.
Snow and Ice Removal Tips
1. Stairs and Ramps
- Plan Ahead: Clear steps using proper tools to work efficiently and minimize fall risks.
- Stay Close: Keep tools close to your body and avoid twisting movements to reduce bodily strain.
2. Snow Blower Safety
- Wear Proper Clothing: Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in moving mechanisms. Wear required PPE.
- Check Equipment: Ensure you are familiar with controls and machine status before operation.
- Stay Aware: Watch for pedestrians nearby and keep hands completely clear of moving parts.
3. Ice Removal
- Use Scrapers First: Scraping is safer and less physically demanding than chopping, which risks impact injury.
- Technique: Leverage gravity and keep tools close to your body to minimize physical strain.
4. Shoveling Snow
- Shovel Early: Clearing fresh, light snow reduces physical strain and overexertion.
- Take Breaks: Frequent rest breaks prevent back, shoulder, and muscle overuse injuries.
Ergonomics & Injury Prevention
- Prevent Injuries: Warm up muscles with light stretching before engaging in strenuous winter tasks to increase flexibility.
- Work Safely: Maintain proper posture while lifting or working to reduce joint strain and remain steady on icy surfaces.