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Icy sidewalk? “Walk like a penguin” [video]

Walking like a penguin reduces slips, trips, and falls.

With inclement weather arriving again around the state, SAIF reminds Oregonians to "walk like a penguin" to prevent falling.

"Slips, trips, and falls are the leading cause of injury in Oregon—both in and out of the workplace," said Scott Clark, safety innovations manager for SAIF. "Changing how you walk on slippery surfaces can mean the difference between making it home safely and taking an unexpected trip to the hospital."

Clark offers the following guidance for taking walking cues from our arctic friends:

  • Keep your hands by your side (and not in your pockets).
  • Slow down and take short steps.
  • Walk flat-footed.
  • Point your toes slightly to the sides.

Watch a demonstration from SAIF of how to walk like a penguin.

Oregonians are encouraged to show how they #WalkLikeAPenguin throughout the winter.

You can find more tips like this in the saif.com "Safety and health" section.