Slips, trips and falls are common accidents on farms, even more so during the winter months. The combination of cold temperatures, ice, snow and muddy conditions can make the risk of these accidents even higher.
Some common slip, trip and fall hazards present during the winter on your farm include the following:
- Slippery surfaces. Frozen or snowy stairs, walkways and equipment as well as unpaved areas may be very slippery in the winter months. Remember there may also be black ice present, so even if you cannot see the ice, you could be at risk for an injury. Watch out for frost and condensation on equipment, handrails and gates that could affect your grip when trying to stabilize yourself. Make sure you are using three points of contact when climbing on or off any piece of equipment or ladder. Make sure your boots are clean to avoid slipping. Kick off mud, slush, ice and snow from your boots before mounting a piece of equipment, climbing a ladder or entering a building.
- Muddy surfaces. With the fluctuating temperatures in the winter come snow, rain and mud. As the temperature rises, the mud melts and becomes very slippery. You also create uneven ground as your boots or tires sink into the earth while working. When the temperature drops again, the mud freezes and becomes hard, including those boot and tire tracks, making the surface bumpy and treacherous. Always be aware you are not working on a flat surface and use caution.
- Snow-covered surfaces. Similar to ice, snow also makes the ground and equipment slippery; however, it also covers up potential tripping hazards such as uneven ground, rocks, and tools and debris not put away properly. Shovel the area around building entrances and shovel or plow all walkways. Ensure snow and ice are cleared from parking areas as well; falls often occur when getting in and out of vehicles.
- Visibility. The hours of daylight during the winter months are shorter, and that along with changes in the weather can affect your visibility on the farm. Potential slip, trip and fall hazards may be obscured by darkness, blowing snow or other weather conditions.
- Continuous use of water. In barns, milking parlours and other areas of the farm, water is used continuously throughout the day to wash down the floor and other surfaces. This makes the area very slippery and even more dangerous during the colder weather, when these surfaces can freeze.
A good rule of thumb to help prevent falls when working on the farm is to take time to evaluate the area, determine what could go wrong and put a plan into place to minimize the hazards before you commence work.
It is impossible to remove all the potential slip, trip and fall hazards from your farm, but there are several things you can do to reduce the risks:
- Always wear proper footwear. Winter work boots with non-slip soles and insulation should be worn. In really slippery areas, consider wearing spikes or cleats that attach to your boots, when appropriate.
- Keep all walkways and stairs clean of ice, snow and debris. Pay close attention to entryway and high-traffic areas. Clear snow as soon as possible and put down sand, gravel or de-icing agent on any icy patches. Use non-skid strips or non-slip mats on surfaces that tend to get slippery.
- Use handrails when on stairs or ramps. Make sure these rails are sturdy and free from ice and condensation.
- Equip farm vehicles for the winter. When moving around the farm, make sure the equipment has proper snow tires and chains to provide traction.
- If using any type of ATV to travel around your farm, whether that is down a laneway or across a field, you must ensure the path of travel is safe and your equipment is capable of driving on the terrain and in the weather conditions. Make sure trucks and equipment, including ATVs, have appropriate emergency equipment for the winter, including a cellphone charger and extra winter clothing.
- Take extra care around machinery. Never jump from the equipment. Always use handrails when mounting and dismounting. Do not allow passengers. Only operate the equipment from the operator’s seat.
- When climbing, maintain three points of contact. When dismounting a vehicle, maintain three points of contact and ensure you have your footing on the ground before letting go of the railing. Always turn around and face the equipment when descending.
- Slow down and use caution. Try not to rush around, especially in areas covered with snow. Walk slowly and carefully to avoid hazards.
- Install proper lighting. Ensure that pathways, barns and work areas are well-lit to improve visibility.
- Always inspect your equipment and tools before use and throughout the day to ensure there is no ice buildup or condensation that could result in an injury.
- Don’t forget the importance of training. Provide training to your workers on winter best practices, including wearing proper clothing and footwear, proper techniques for mounting and dismounting equipment, staying aware of all potential hazards and reporting any unsafe conditions.
Being proactive with winter farm safety and potential hazards can greatly reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, ensuring everyone stays safe during colder winter months.
References omitted but are available upon request by sending an email to the editor.
