There are several benefits to wearing a pair of ice cleats if you work for an airport or government agency such as Parks and Outdoor Recreation or Waste Management. Did you know that this year more than one third of adults will suffer an injury due to falling on ice? These accidents also account for more than 25,000 missed days of work! Wow! If you currently work on a tarmac at an airport or for Waste Management or another government agency, there are a few things you can do this season to ensure your own safety. We have put together a small safety checklist that includes learning to walk like a penguin, using the proper equipment, and knowing the difference between young and mature ice.

Learn to Walk Like a Penguin

Pay close attention to others around you during colder months, you’ll probably notice that some are more adept to walking on ice than others. People who have grown up or lived in an icy environment for an extended period of time have learned to walk like penguins and as a result fall less than others. To walk like a penguin, simply shift your center of gravity to your front facing foot instead of splitting it evenly between both feet.

Buy Ice Cleats

A durable pair of properly fitting ice cleats are instrumental to your success on the ice! Ice cleats will give you more gripping power while working on the tarmac or out on the ice this year. Before ordering a pair of ice cleats, talk to other contractors and government employees to see if they would like to order a pair too! We have bulk pricing on high quality ice cleats that will help both you and your coworkers from slipping on the tarmac during below freezing temperatures. Less slipping means fewer injuries!

Fall the Right Way

Did you know that there is a right and wrong way to fall? If you learn to fall the right way, you’ll be less likely to injure yourself. As soon as you think you are about to fall, tuck your chin against your chest, wrap your arms around your head and try to fold your body into itself. Next, quickly roll onto your back and exhale powerfully or shout to absorb as much of the impact as possible. Trust us, the fall will hurt less! Whatever you do, do not try to break your fall using your arms!

Know Your Ice

It’s also important to know what type of ice you’re working with and if it’s safe to cross. Look for clear ice, it’s usually newly formed and stronger than older ice formations. If you’re in an area where ice has formed over running water, don’t cross! This is very dangerous! Lastly, always remember that the thickness of ice tends to vary, one area may be two feet thick while another area is less than two inches thick. There are several charts available online to use as a guide, we recommend printing one out and bringing it with you.

How do you protect yourself on the ice? Share your answers with us in our comments section or on Facebook! We would love to hear from you!