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Chilling stats... Canada Post needs you to help reduce slips and falls during icy winter weather

Jan. 22, 2009

OTTAWA - Winter’s icy weather is Canada’s annual invitation to enjoy outdoor activities like skating, skiing and tobogganing, but the falling snow and temperatures bring an increase in the risk of injuries due to accidental slips and falls.

Statistics show a high number of slips, trips and involving delivery employees occur on residential and business properties where ice and snow can create hazardous conditions. By motivating the public to keep their stairs and walkways clear, the campaign will contribute to Canada Post’s goal of reducing accidents. In 2007, Canada Post mail delivery personnel experienced more than 1,500 on-the-job injuries related to the weather. Preliminary 2008 figures show no decrease in the number or severity of incidents. These injuries not only affect the workplace, but also impact employees’ personal lives and even one incident is too many. Homeowners play a role in making winter safer for everyone who visits their home. Armand Bisson, a letter carrier from Ottawa, has seen his share of slippery sidewalks during his 37-year Canada Post career. On one winter’s day after a flash freeze, he slipped and fell on a customer’s front walk, ended up in his doctor’s office and lost time from work. “I couldn’t see the black ice that had formed, but if the homeowner had sanded or salted the walk, it may have not been there,” he says. Accidents such as Bisson’s are preventable if home and business owners ensure their walkways and stairs stay free of snow and ice.

“Winter should not be an excuse to stop going outside, we’re Canadians after all,” said Jack Smith, president of the Canada Safety Council. “But the reality is that snow and ice bring new challenges. A few simple measures can make it safer to walk outdoors in the winter; removing snow and ice, putting sand or salt on areas where people walk, and wearing the right footwear all make a big difference.”

To get the word out on the need to improve winter safety for all Canadians, Canada Post will be delivering its winter safety message far and wide via The Weather Network and Météo Média, local TV and online weather forecasts, as well as radio ads and a mailing to two million households across Canada. The objective of this public awareness campaign is to reduce the number of accidents and injuries to those Canadians who spend considerable time outdoors - including post office employees.

“Canada Post is committed to improving working conditions for our employees,” said Mary Traversy, Canada Post’s senior vice-president of Operations. “We want all Canadians everywhere to become more aware of the risks posed by snow, icy or wet sidewalks, stairs, walkways and other access areas. We want to improve safety for our delivery personnel, but it’s also safer for everyone!”

To support the campaign and get Canadians practicing clearing their walkways, Canada Post and Canadian Tire are sponsoring a Canada-wide “Clear the Way and Win” online contest, which runs to February 28, 2009. When entering online, Canadians can use a virtual shovel to clear snow on a walkway for a chance to win part of $10,000 of prizes from Canadian Tire.

For further information about this campaign, and for tips on what you can do to make a difference this winter, please visit www.canadapost.ca/cleartheway.

Chilling stats and hot tips on winter safety

• In 2007, Canada Post mail delivery personnel experienced more than 1,500 on-the-job injuries related to the weather.  Preliminary 2008 figures show no decrease in the number or severity of incidents.
• Ice is actually most slippery when the temperature is 1 or 2 degrees Celsius because a film of water can form on the ice surface.
• Even when the ambient temperature outside is above freezing, outdoor areas in shade or shadows can have a layer of ice that can catch you by surprise.
• When going outdoors in winter, always wear suitable footwear with soles designed for winter conditions. Soles and heels of winter footwear should have a tread made of material that minimizes slipping under all conditions of normal use.
• If you work outdoors, carry a small bag of grit or sand in your jacket pocket to sprinkle on ice as needed.
• Slow down in winter and always look for changing conditions on sidewalks and other areas. A fresh snowfall looks pretty but it can cover up hazards such as icy patches or uneven surfaces that may not be apparent. Don’t take chances when steps are covered with snow or ice.
• If you are a homeowner or a business, don’t be caught by surprise – monitor the weather and be prepared to take action to eliminate slippery conditions on your property.
• Ensure that all areas prone to ice buildup are scraped and covered with anti-slip material like sand or salt on a regular basis around your residence or business.

For further information about this campaign, and for tips on what you can do to make a difference this winter, please visit www.canadapost.ca/cleartheway.

Snow Shovelling: A refresher

Shovelling snow is a strenuous activity that can take a heavy toll on your body and well-being. It can be risky, but not if you do it right:

• First of all, should you be shovelling at all? As with any exercise, check with your doctor first. If you are older, overweight, or have a history of back or heart problems, or simply feel that it is too much for you, delegate the task to someone else or get a snow blower.
• If you are physically fit, warm up first. Flexing and stretching exercises will loosen up the muscles and better prepare you for the job ahead. You can also walk for a few minutes or march on the spot.
• Allow plenty of time. People get hurt when they try to shovel in a hurry. Plan ahead and expect you will have to shovel in the wintertime; by leaving time in your schedule for shovelling, and it will be a more pleasant, safer task.
• It is more practical to shovel early and often. Fresh dry snow is lighter and therefore more manageable than wet, heavily packed or partly melted snow.
• Are you dressed appropriately? Wear several layers of warm, lightweight clothing in which you can move comfortably. The inner layer should be fishnet or thermal underwear that lets perspiration escape easier from the skin. Cover your head, especially your ears, feet and hands. Wear water-resistant, high-cut boots with good traction. In very cold weather, cover your face as much as possible.
• If the ground is icy or slippery, spread salt, sand or kitty litter to create better foot traction.
• What kind of shovel should you use? Use a snow shovel because any other type will make the job tougher. It should be light-weight, about 1.5 kg or a little over 3 lbs, and the blade shouldn't be too large. The handle should be long enough so that you don't have to stoop to shovel. The grip should be made of plastic or wood - metal gets too cold. Keep moving and work at a steady pace. Shovel only small, manageable amounts (1-2 inches) at a time.
• Protect your back by lifting properly and safely:
• Stand with feet at hip width for balance
• Hold the shovel close to your body
• Space hands apart to increase leverage
• Bend from your knees, not your back
• Push the snow rather than lift it
• Tighten your stomach muscles while lifting
• Walk to dump snow rather than throwing it
• If you must throw a load of snow, take only as much snow as you can easily lift. Turn your feet to the direction you're throwing and DO NOT twist at the waist or throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side.
• What to watch out for:
• If you feel discomfort or heaviness in the chest, arms or neck; unusual or prolonged shortness of breath; a dizzy or faint feeling; or excessive sweating or nausea and vomiting, stop shovelling and call 911.
• Do not shovel if the temperature drops below -40°C, or below -25° to -30°C when it is windy.

For further information about this campaign, and for tips on what you can do to make a difference this winter, please visit www.canadapost.ca/cleartheway.

Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
(http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/snow_shovelling.html)