10-Point October Safety Walk-Through: Get Your Site Ready for Winter

Fall is the best time to catch the hazards winter weather creates.

October is the best time to prepare for winter risks. As leaves fall, days get shorter, and the first cold snaps arrive, slip, trip, and fall hazards can sneak up on employees, visitors, and tenants before snow and ice even appear. A walk-through now, before the first freeze, is an easy, affordable way to lower claims and keep your site safe all winter.

Check your property using the 10-Point October Safety Walk-Through below, and share it with your facilities or property management team this month.

The 10-Point October Safety Walk-Through

1. Are sidewalks and parking lots free of leaves and debris?
2. Are exterior lights working and providing adequate visibility?
3. Are entrances free of water and slip hazards?
4. Are floor mats flat, secure, and in good condition?
5. Are stairs and handrails secure?
6. Are sidewalks free of cracks, uneven surfaces, and other trip hazards?
7. Are extension cords and temporary cables secured and out of walkways?
8. Are emergency exits unobstructed?
9. Have you inspected seasonal heaters/equipment before use?
10. Do you have a plan for responding to rain, snow, ice, and freezing conditions?

Why It Matters: Slips, Trips, and Falls Are a Year-Round Risk

Wet and icy walking surfaces, indoors and outdoors, are among the most common causes of workplace injuries. The risk goes up quickly when the weather turns cooler and wetter. As Lamb’s Wet Weather and Work Surfaces safety flyer explains, water from rain, cleaning, or seasonal changes can make any surface dangerous. Injuries can range from bruises and sprains to fractures and head trauma, which can also lead to lost workdays or expensive claims.

A few simple habits go a long way:

• Clean up spills immediately and use caution signs until surfaces are fully dry.
• Place floor mats and umbrella stands at entrances to reduce water tracked in from outside.
• Make sure employees wear slip-resistant footwear.
• Encourage everyone to slow down, take small steps, and use handrails when surfaces are wet.

Preparing for Snow and Ice

Once temperatures drop, the stakes get higher. Lamb’s Avoid Winter Slip-ups flyer recommends:

• Requiring anti-slip footwear and avoiding plastic- or leather-soled shoes on snow and ice.
• Keeping walkways clear of ice, snow, and debris, and applying sand or salt where needed.
• Encouraging employees to walk slowly, keep hands free for balance, and use handrails.
• Reporting trip and fall hazards to a supervisor immediately and seeking shelter in severe conditions.

Make It a Habit, Not a One-Time Check

Winter preparation isn’t a one-time inspection. It should be an ongoing plan. Walk your property regularly during the season, check lighting as days get shorter, and make sure your team knows who to contact if they see a hazard.

For additional safety and risk management tips, contact Lamb today.