Campus News

UK WalkSafe Campaign Promoting Winter Weather Safety

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 12, 2016)  As winter weather strikes the University of Kentucky area, students, faculty and staff walking on campus have been able to stay informed of “smart routes” that include sidewalks and other paths throughout campus that ensure safer walking conditions, as well as areas where they need to take caution thanks to the UK WalkSafe campaign.

On Feb. 8, UK WalkSafe placed more than 30 signs around campus and the Albert B. Chandler Hospital in locations chosen from an analysis of slips and falls in prior winter seasons, in addition to high foot traffic areas on campus. The signs warning students, faculty and staff to take caution in these areas of high risk will be placed on campus during times of inclement weather.

“I hope these signs serve as one more reminder for everyone to slow down and remain alert of potential black ice or snowy walkway conditions,” said Michele Laur, safety specialist at UK. “Our goal is to be able to be proactive and addressing issues before they lead to an incident.”

WalkSafe promotes winter weather safety by encouraging others to make reports of any unsafe conditions to Laur at mla263@uky.edu. The WalkSafe website also provides practical tips for walking in inclement weather and the proper footwear to use. It also provides information on the priority snow clearing plan for campus used by Facilities Managment. Visit the website at www.uky.edu/hr/hr-home/uk-walk-safe-winter.

The UK WalkSafe campaign is a service of UK Environmental Health and Safety, UK Human Resources and other campus partners.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Kathy Johnson, 859-257-3155, kathy.johnson@uky.edu