The Physical Plant and Environmental Health and Safety would like to remind the university community that winter weather can create serious safety issues:
- Campus snow removal equipment such as sweepers and snowblowers create forward visibility problems for the operator. The grounds crew operator often can’t see pedestrians close to the equipment. You can help the operator by stepping aside and waiting for the equipment to pass rather than trying to squeeze past equipment on sidewalks.
- Ice and compact slippery snow can form outside the entrances to campus buildings, in parking lots and on pathways. You can help grounds and custodial crews by promptly reporting slippery conditions to public safety.
- Take particular care walking across campus after a snowfall or when there is freezing precipitation. Keep your eyes on the path ahead of you, avoid the use of electronic devices and keep your hands free to aid in balance.
- Wear footwear appropriate for the conditions. High-heel shoes/boots were contributing factors to at least two serious injuries on icy campus surfaces last winter.
- City roads and intersections near the campus can get extremely icy even after minor snowfalls. The Selby-Cretin and the Selby-Finn intersections are particular problems in winter. Allow extra stopping distance when approaching intersections near campus.
