As the Seattle area heads into its familiar mix of rain, early dusk, and occasionally icy mornings, it’s a great time to refresh our awareness around staying safe on campus.
Slips, trips, and falls are among the leading causes of injury at the University of Washington, and wet or chilly weather can make everyday paths a little more challenging. With a few simple habits, we can all help keep ourselves—and each other—safe this season.
Avoid slips, trips and falls in wet weather
- Use handrails when walking on stairs.
- Use well-lit pathways or carry a flashlight for use in low-light areas.
- Wear comfortable, slip-resistant footwear.
- Use a cart and take the elevator when carrying large or bulky items.
- Stay focused and alert.
- Avoid distractions. Put your cell phone away when you're on the move.
- Use designated walkways and pedestrian paths.
- Wipe your feet on a mat when entering a building during wet weather.
- Store your wet clothes and umbrella away from walkways to prevent puddles and slippery surfaces.
Slips, trips, and falls are more common in rainy or icy weather, in darkness, on uneven surfaces, or when objects are left in walking areas. Hurrying or not paying attention can increase the risk as well. Any combination of these factors can lead to an injury—so please take a moment to consider how you can reduce your risk each day.
Report unsafe conditions
If you notice a slippery walkway, poor lighting, clutter, or any condition that could contribute to a fall, please let us know. Reporting unsafe conditions helps Environmental Health & Safety identify areas that need attention so we can prevent injuries before they happen.
You can report unsafe conditions anonymously using the Report a Concern form. You can include a description and upload photos to help us address the issue quickly. Every report makes a difference.
Training
We offer Slips, Trips, and Falls Online training, which provides practical prevention strategies for preventing falls and injuries.
For more information, please contact Environmental Health & Safety at 206.543.7262 or ehsdept@uw.edu.
