Rain and pollen can lead to slippery conditions, which can increase the incidence of injuries due to slips and falls. Many of these can be mitigated by keeping a few things in mind.
Select Appropriate Footwear Based on the Environmental Factors
Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) recommends that if less weather-appropriate footwear is needed for work, then the footwear should be carried with the employee while traveling to the office. Also, remember to wipe your shoes off when entering a building to prevent creating a hazard from wet shoes indoors.
Attentiveness
Avoid slippery surfaces or any hazards you come across. Take a route around obvious hazards and concentrate on the path ahead. Always take your time and proceed with caution when the situation demands it. Make sure to be aware of any steps, curbs or general changes in elevation while moving through the elements. Also, avoid using your cell phone when walking around campus to help maintain focus on the move.
Utilize Resources
Utilize handrails when possible and maintain three points of contact when entering and exiting vehicles. If you need to carry large or cumbersome items, wait for safer weather and utilize tools or moving equipment. UNC-Chapel Hill also has a moving crew that can be scheduled to help departments with moving items. If you need to get across campus, utilize public transportation to help mitigate hazards from the weather.
Reporting Hazards
Take time to report any hazards found on campus, such as missing bricks in walkways and/or damaged stairs, or call the EHS office at 919-962-5507.