TIPS FOR AN INJURY-FREE WINTER

WINTER SAFETY

Tips for an Injury-Free Winter

By Angela Beal HRS Group

(705) 749-1259

Winter is just around the corner and as we all know that means snow and ice on our roads and poor weather conditions for driving. It’s important to be aware of the road conditions before leaving home.

Check with your local weather radio station, as well as 511on.ca, for the current road conditions. Adjusting our driving habits to suit the weather is imperative. Every year we see those bad driv ers who are going too fast, changing lanes too often and too quickly, not using signals, and all without snow tires. Doing your own hazard as sessment before getting into your car will help you stay safe this winter.

For those of you who enjoy walking every day be aware of icy patches on sidewalks and intersec tions. Black ice is hard to see and you may not be aware of it until it is too late. Last year while walk ing my dog I stepped off the sidewalk to cross the street not realizing there was an icy patch there. My dog was confused seeing me laying face down on the road. Luckily, I did not injure

myself, but it could have been very serious. I bought new boots with better grips and stopped crossing the road at stop signs where the ice ap pears to build up the most.

There is also the possibility of foggy conditions in the winter. This usually happens first thing in the morning on your commute to work. When driving in the fog slow down, be alert to what could be in front of you, watch for flashing lights ahead It may be a school bus picking up children for school.

Stay safe this winter by ensuring your car is in good condition and put those snow tires on, they could save your life.

For more information about Occupational Health and Safety, call our professional team.