Stay Safe This Winter
Navigating Snow and Ice at the University of Manitoba
As the winter season blankets our campus with snow and ice, the risk of slips, trips, and falls increases significantly. Whether you’re hurrying to class or walking to your car, it’s essential to stay cautious and prioritize safety. Navigating icy walkways, snowy parking lots, and unpredictable weather requires extra care.
Tips for Staying Safe:
- Choose the Right Footwear: Wear boots or shoes with good traction to prevent slipping.
- Walk Carefully: Take slow, deliberate steps, and avoid rushing, especially on icy pathways. Use the “penguin shuffle” technique—take small steps, keep your feet flat, and extend your arms slightly for balance.
- Stay on Designated Paths: Stick to cleared and salted walkways and avoid shortcuts through unmaintained areas.
- Be Alert: Pay attention to your surroundings, as black ice can be hard to spot. Be extra cautious if entering campus in the early morning or during changing conditions.
Slipping on ice can lead to injuries ranging from minor bruises to serious fractures. Additionally, near misses—situations where accidents are narrowly avoided—can be just as dangerous if left unaddressed. If you experience a slip, trip, fall, or a near miss, it’s important to report it to the Environmental Health and Safety Office (EHSO) through the Incident Report Webform. Reporting these events helps the university identify high-risk areas and implement measures to prevent future accidents.