Winter weather can make it difficult to get out and about, especially when you have a business located outside. From icy sidewalks to freezing temperatures, many of us have worried about the dangers associated with these conditions. But while they can be difficult to manage, there are ways in which you can ensure your business is better-prepared for winter this year–including providing essential items that will help prevent ice-related injuries around the workplace. In this blog post, Jay Holstine discusses some of the key items that every business should consider investing in when facing winter woe to keep its employees safe and sound!
Jay Holstine Lists Essential Items For Combating Ice Outside Workplace
1. Anti-Slip Footwear: Ice is a difficult surface to navigate and can cause painful falls if not taken seriously. This is why it’s important, as per Jay Holstine, that all employees wear anti-slip shoes with good grip when outside in icy conditions. The best type of footwear for this purpose has rubber soles designed specifically to combat the slippery effects of ice and snow, as well as being both waterproof and warm enough to keep feet comfortable during cold temperatures. Winter boots are also essential for keeping feet dry and warm while walking on icy surfaces.
2. Deicing Equipment: No matter how much caution people take when outside in winter weather, it’s likely that steps, sidewalks, driveways, or other flat surfaces will be slippery due to the formation of ice. To combat this, a business should invest in good quality deicing equipment such as snow blowers and salt spreaders. These machines can quickly break up any icy patches on walkways, making them safe for employees and customers alike.
3. Ice Melt: While deicing machines are great for getting rid of large areas of ice, they’re not always practical or cost-effective when dealing with smaller areas. That’s why businesses should also keep a supply of rock salt, or other ice melts handy to sprinkle over any remaining slippery spots around the workspace. The chemicals in these products help to form a “brine layer” that prevents water from freezing and reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
4. Protective Gear: According to Jay Holstine, even with all of the above precautions in place, it’s still possible that people could slip on ice or get frostbite while working outside in icy weather conditions. That’s why protective gear should also be part of any winter preparation plan for businesses. This includes items such as thick gloves, hats, scarves, and waterproof layers to help keep employees protected at all times when outside in cold temperatures. It’s also essential to ensure that everyone is wearing warm socks and appropriate shoes with good grip to prevent slips and falls while out in the snow.
Jay Holstine’s Concluding Thoughts
By following these simple tips by Jay Holstine and investing in the right equipment and protective wear, businesses can ensure that their staff stays safe and healthy while working in icy conditions. This is important not just for the well-being of employees but also to help minimize any potential losses due to slip and fall-related accidents or other winter weather issues. Making sure everyone is prepared with the right gear and knowledge can go a long way toward helping businesses combat ice outside the workplace.