Winter weather creates unique safety challenges for businesses, employees, and customers alike. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and reduced daylight increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls — one of the leading causes of workplace injuries during cold weather months. With a proactive safety plan, you can minimize hazards and keep your team safe this season.

Here’s a workplace safety checklist to help you prepare for winter 2025:

1. Identify High-Risk Areas

Start by walking your property to note areas most affected by winter conditions:

• Parking lots and loading docks
• Walkways, sidewalks, and building entrances
• Outdoor stairways and ramps
• Warehouse and facility entry and exit points where snow and ice are directly outside

Mark these areas for increased monitoring throughout the season.

2. Install IceAlert® Safety and Explanatory Signs

Visual communication is critical in preventing slip and fall accidents. IceAlert® signs change color as temperatures drop near freezing, alerting employees and visitors to potential ice hazards. Place them:

• At parking lot entrances
• Near sidewalks and outdoor stairways
• Around loading dock areas
• Along pathways with heavy foot traffic

This proactive warning system helps reduce liability and improves employee awareness.

3. Implement a Snow and Ice Removal Plan

Assign responsibility for snow and ice management before storms arrive. Your plan should include:

• Pre-treating surfaces before freezing rain or snow
• Regular snow shoveling and plowing
• Applying ice melt or sand on high-traffic areas
• Monitoring conditions during shifts

Consistency is key: a clear plan ensures hazards are managed quickly and effectively.

4. Provide Employee Training

Ensure employees know how to:

• Recognize winter hazards
• Wear appropriate footwear with good traction
• Walk safely on icy or wet surfaces (short steps, slower pace)
• Report unsafe areas immediately

A quick seasonal refresher meeting can go a long way in preventing incidents.

5. Improve Indoor Safety

Winter hazards don’t stop at the door. Melting snow and ice tracked indoors create slippery surfaces. Address this by:

• Installing floor mats at all entrances
• Using wet floor signage during high traffic times
• Increasing janitorial checks to mop up water quickly

6. Conduct Routine Inspections

Make safety inspections part of your routine:

• Check that IceAlert® signs are visible and functional
• Confirm that ice melt supplies are stocked
• Walk high-traffic areas daily to monitor for new hazards

Documentation of these inspections also supports compliance and liability protection.

Preparing Now for a Safer Winter

Slips, trips, and falls can cost businesses time, money, and employee well-being. By planning ahead, installing safety signage, and reinforcing safe practices, you can keep your workplace safer this winter.

Explore IceAlert® products today to help protect your team and customers this season.

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