ACCIDENTS WAITING TO HAPPEN

By Joe Zimmerman, VSBIT

 

The winter months are fast approaching and it will not be long before weather conditions will be making our lives just a little more complicated. For the next several months snow and ice will make for slippery school parking lots and side walks and be the cause of many accidents.  Statistics concerning accidents, in general, suggest that 90% happen as a result of unsafe conditions.

 

Now is the perfect time to review plans for handling these unsafe conditions.  Encourage all school employees to be aware of their surroundings and act accordingly. Employees should also be encouraged to report all unsafe conditions to appropriate school personnel.  Creating this awareness and reminding employees to do their part, may prevent some of those accidents that are “waiting to happen.” Most of the workers compensation claims reported during the winter months involve slipping on ice, snow or wet floors.  For the most part, these injuries are preventable.  If you need assistance in developing a safety plan in your school district, contact the VSBIT office.

 

Remember, by simply increasing your employee’s awareness concerning this issue, you will help to prevent an injury.