Quick Links

• Service Requests
• C.E.R.T. Training
• Chem 201 & 601
• Hazardous Waste Pickup (Help)
• Lab Inventory
• Lab Sign Request
• Workers' Compensation Injury

• Training Guide
• Safety Training Calendar

Risk Tip:

Ice and Snow, Take it Slow

January 2012

BYU, nestled in the arms of the Rocky Mountains, has a beauty matched by no other campus. The seasons are clearly defined. When the snow and ice arrive the valley takes on a special kind of beauty.

As members of the BYU community there are new hazards that we need to compensate for to stay out of harm's way. We must dress differently, drive differently, and even walk differently. Every winter season employees and students get injured walking on icy surfaces. Broken bones and sprains along with serious injuries to backs, knees and heads occur every year - some are life-altering.

Our physical facilities personnel do an incredible job of keeping the campus clear of ice and snow on walkways and stairs, but we live in the mountains and it is sometimes impossible to keep it clear all of the time. We need to take some precautions when there's ice and snow in the way we walk and the shoes/boots we wear.  

Rules of engagement:

• Assume every dark or wet-looking surface is icy.
• Point your feet out slightly like a penguin! Spreading your feet out slightly while walking on ice increases your center of gravity.
• Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible. Carefully choose your footwear.
• Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance. Beware if you are carrying a heavy backpack or other load-your sense of balance will be off.

In Short - Walk Like a Penguin!

• Watch where you are stepping and GO S-L-O-W-L-Y !! This will help your reaction time to changes in traction.
• Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support.
• Take short steps or shuffle for stability. It also helps to stop occasionally to break momentum.