Prevention Begins in the Parking Lot
by Molly Boylan, MS, LAT, ATC
Your workday starts the second you step out of your car and into the parking lot. If we focus only on hazards inside the building, we overlook the risks that exist before the shift even begins.
Slips, trips, and falls in the parking lot can happen year-round, but they increase during the winter months. Potholes, cracks, and curbs are common tripping hazards. Add snow, ice, or rain, and the risk climbs quickly. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports almost 500,000 workplace falls, slips, and trips each year are serious enough to require days away from work.
Individuals with a history of falls, chronic conditions, poor vision, multiple medications, or fear of falling are at even greater risk. If prevention starts before you clock in, are you giving the parking lot the same attention you give your workspace? Avoid the literal slip-up with these practical tips.
Avoid Shortcuts
Always use designated well-lit walkways. Don’t cut across areas that haven’t been cleared or treated with sand or salt. Assume all wet, dark, or shiny surfaces are ice. Be alert for slick spots between parked cars.
Avoid Distractions
Keep your eyes on the path in front of you. Avoid calling, texting, or carrying large loads. Walk, don’t run, and take smaller shuffling steps when there is a slippery surface. Allow extra time to walk. Keep your hands out of your pockets to brace for potential falls, and use a handrail if available.
Proper Footwear
Wear shoes with good traction or attachable ice cleats. Use a cane or spotter if mobility is limited. If you begin to fall, try to fall sideways or backwards. Landing on outstretched hands can lead to injuries to your hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder. Once in the building, remove snow and water from your shoes to avoid potential falls for yourself and others.
Vehicle Safety
Avoid jumping out of your vehicle. Carefully place both feet flat on the ground before taking a step. Use the vehicle for support if needed.
What If I Do Fall?
Despite precautions, falls still happen – even to the best of us. If you do, stay down momentarily and assess how you feel before attempting to stand. Getting up too quickly can lead to further injury. When you determine that you’re safe to stand up, roll to one side, bend your knees, push up with your arms, and use your legs to stand. If you need assistance with standing up, ensure the person helping you has both feet planted to avoid any more falls.
Prevention doesn’t begin at the workstation. It begins as soon as you arrive onsite and lasts all of the way out of the parking lot at the end of your shift. Staying alert during these everyday moments reduces risk for injury. Adding balance and strengthening exercises to your daily routine can help reduce the risk of falls. See your onsite Injury Prevention Specialist for help!
Molly Boylan, MS, LAT, ATC || Molly is a Certified Athletic Trainer with over a decade of experience, starting her journey in 2010. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Athletic Training and a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology. Molly’s passion for Athletic Training is rooted in her personal history as a multi-sport athlete during her high school and college years. This background drove her to pursue a career in athletic training. Presently, she channels her love for sports by coaching her daughter in various athletic endeavors. In her leisure time, she treasures moments spent with her husband and their two children, Emma and Benjamin. They share a deep love for travel and wholeheartedly support the Philadelphia Eagles.
Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right!