By Jennifer Freeman
Special to GUIDON

If you don’t like Fort Leonard Wood’s weather, just wait, it will change. And in January and February, the weather changes often — one day it’s 4 degrees below zero, and then two days later, it’s 60 degrees outside. Some days, the temperature can drop 40 degrees in a matter of hours.

This up-and-down variation of temperatures can lead to serious safety issues. That wet sidewalk when you came to work can be a sheet of ice when you head out to lunch. The warm afternoon run can be exchanged for a trudge through the snow the next morning, often on sidewalks that have yet to be cleared.

All of this can lead to conditions that are ripe for slips, trips and falls, but the weather is not the only factor responsible for walking accidents.

Most of us unknowingly have certain unsafe behaviors that can contribute to slips, trips or fall injuries. Some of the most common problems are being distracted by talking, texting or just running late. Another big one is not watching where you are going or carrying materials that obstruct your view. Take a few bad behaviors, add a slick surface and you have conditions that are prime for problems.

Becoming more aware of your environment can help reduce your chances of a slip trip or fall — especially when conditions aren’t dry, warm and clear.  A quick look at the ground when you get out of your car can tell you if your path is clear. Watch for wet spots that may be surface melt with ice below. Be careful when walking through snow, as the white stuff can hide curbs, debris and other walking hazards.

Handrails on stairs are there for a reason to help prevent falling and need to be used, especially in inclement weather.

Dressing for winter weather includes the shoe. Slips and falls are primarily caused by a slippery surface and compounded by wearing the wrong footwear. The proper footwear can make all the difference between being sure-footed and sprawled on the sidewalk. On icy days, wear the boots; leave the stilettos at home.

Safety is a responsibility we all need to take seriously in the workplace. Having salt or sand on hand to reduce icy sidewalks is a must this time of year, but the salt only works if it is applied. When the temperature drops to the teens, sand is a better material for ice-covered sidewalks, as salt loses it’s ability to melt ice at the lower temperatures.

Make sure to keep up with the changing weather condition thorough out the day by keeping sidewalks and parking lots well lit, and removing obstacles from walkways and placing doormats inside every entrance. If it snows, removal of the white stuff may be necessary more than once during the day.

 Here are a few more safety reminders to follow during the winter months for our everyday routine:

- Dress warmly. Being cold may cause you to hurry or tense your muscles, which affect your balance.

- Give yourself plenty of time. Take short, deliberate steps in very icy areas.

- Do not walk with your hands in your pockets. If your hands are cold, wear gloves.

- Don’t carry or swing heavy loads that may cause you to lose your balance while walking.

- Follow designated walkways in parking lots.

- Be wary of doorway thresholds where walking surfaces change.

If you take a few minutes to look over these safety reminders, hopefully they can prevent injuries to our workforce on Fort Leonard Wood.

(Editor’s note: Freeman is a safety specialist with the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Safety Office.)