Slips, Trips and Falls Published Jan. 28, 2009 By SMSgt John Martineau 174 FW/Ground Safety Manager Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, NY -- Slips, Trips and Falls continue to be one of the highest categories for mishaps on the base. In Fiscal Year 2006 there were 10 slips on ice incidents, FY07 there were 6 slips on ice incidents; FY 08 there were 9 slips on ice incidents; and currently for FY 09 there have been 7 slips on ice incidents. These are the reported slips; certainly there have been more slips than are reported to the safety office. Many of these usually result in no injury to the person falling but during the winter don't be complacent when you are walking around the base. This year we are already close to the "normal" seasonal snowfall. With another 2 months to go don't let yourself become a victim of slippery conditions. In and around your buildings try to keep walks clear of ice and snow, place rugs or door mats at the entrances and clean up standing water from the floor. On "blues" Mondays, instead of wearing the smooth soled dress shoe consider wearing your black combat boots which is authorized for wear with the blue uniform. While walking around base either on the flight line or parking lots, follow these rules: * Point your feet out slightly like a penguin! * Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice; boots made of non-slip rubber or neoprene with grooved soles are best. * Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles; use the vehicle for support. * Bend slightly and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over the feet as much as possible. * Extend your arms out to your sides to maintain balance. * Keep your hands out of your pockets. Walking with hands in your pockets, besides being in violation of AFI 36-2903, decreases your center of gravity and balance. You can help break your fall with your hands free if you do start to slip. * Watch where you are stepping and... GO S-L-O-W-L-Y !! * Take short steps or shuffle for stability.