Environmental Health and Safety

Winter Weather Safety

To report hazardous conditions: Call UW-Oshkosh Police at 424-1212

What does it mean to Walk like a Penguin?

  • Bend your knees slightly and point your feet out to lower and increase your center of gravity.
  • Keep your hands and arms free and slightly away from the body to maintain balance.
  • Go slowly, stay flat-footed, take small steps or shuffle, and lean forward slightly.

We want Stride 3 on the image to the right!

Space Heater Rules

Universities of Wisconsin discourages the use of space heaters. If you must use one on university property, then:

  1. It must be electrically powered,
  2. It must be heat regulated,
  3. It must have tip-over protection, and
  4. It must have over-heating protection.

DO NOT use your heater with a power strip or extension cord. Overheating of a power strip or extension cord could result in a fire. 

Space Heater Safety 

If you decide to use one, then you are responsible to:  

  • Read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels before using your portable electric heater.  
  • DO NOT leave operating heater unattended and always unplug heater when not in use.  
  • String out cords on top of area rugs or carpeting. Placing anything, including furniture, on top of the cord may damage it.  
  • Keep combustible materials, such as furniture, pillows, bedding, papers, clothes and curtains at least three feet from the front of the heater and away from the sides and rear. DO NOT block heater’s air intake or exhaust source. 

Footwear Tips

These two brands of soles have new ice-grip technology. Look for these brand names when purchasing winter boots. Vibram Arctic Grip and Green Diamond. These rubber soles contain binding agents and shavings of fiberglass or quartz that increase grip on icy surfaces. 

Some boot brand names to look for are Sperry, Wind River, Merrell, and Hush Puppy. Some of these brands have Vibram or Green Diamond soles. The Vibram logo is a bright yellow octogan. The Green Diamond logo is a two-lane highway winding around a green diamond. 

Remember to periodically check  the threads on your shoes. If more than one penny can fit in the area – you need new shoes!

Pay special attention to the heel as that affects your balance the most.

Frostbite 

Frostbite is caused by the freezing of the skin and tissues. Frostbite can cause permanent damage to the body, and in severe cases can lead to amputation.  

Symptoms include:

  • development of gray/white patches on the cold
  • red skin of fingers, toes, nose, or ear lobes
  • tingling, aching
  • a loss of feeling, firm/hard
  • blisters may occur in the affected areas

Frostbite First Aid 

  • Get into a warm environment! 
  • Protect the frostbitten area, e.g., by wrapping loosely in a dry cloth and protect the area from contact until medical help arrives. 
  • DO NOT rub the affected area, because rubbing causes damage to the skin and tissue. 
  • Do not apply snow or water. Do not break blisters. 
  • DO NOT try to warm the frostbitten area before getting medical help. If a frostbitten area is warmed and gets frozen again, more tissue damage will occur. It is safer for the frostbitten area to be warmed by medical professionals. 
  • Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol).