Rainy, icy or snowy outside? Walk like a penguin

Falls are one of the leading workplace injuries and can cause serious and even life-threatening injuries. And the risk of falling exponentially increases in the fall and winter months when it’s rainy, icy, or snowy outside. The good news: There’s a simple way for anyone to reduce the risk of falling: Walk like a penguin. It’s easy. Spread your feet out slightly to increase your center of gravity, and take small steps. The penguin’s trademark waddle can keep your center of gravity over your front leg, which can help keep you upright.

Aside from walking like a penguin, here are some other simple yet highly effective ways to help you prevent wintertime slips and falls:

Keep your hands out of your pockets. Walking with your hands in your pockets decreases your center of gravity and balance. This increases your chances of suffering an even greater injury in the event of a fall. If your hands are out of your pockets, you’ll be better able to break your fall with them.

Wear shoes with good traction. Dress shoes and other types of footwear that have little or no traction aren’t good choices when there’s rain, ice, or snow. High-heels? Save those for better weather.

Don’t rush. It’s easier said than done, we know. But trying to move fast in slippery conditions isn’t safe. Take your time getting where you need to go on rainy, icy, or snowy pathways. Use any hand rails that are available to you, and if you aren’t sure whether a surface is icy, it’s better just to assume that it is.