October 25, 2024: Free Traction Pull-Over Device Program for Employees

The university cares about the safety and well-being of our faculty and staff and has invested in continuing the winter weather slip and fall prevention program. Traction pull-over devices are available for employees to use when walking from vehicles to the office or moving around campus. The Korkers are easy to use and reduce the chance of slipping on the ice and snow. Their compact size makes them ideal to keep in your vehicle or winter coat pocket.

If you do not have a pair from previous years of the program already, the traction devices may be picked up in person by faculty and staff free of charge through Environmental Health and Safety (1108 West 6th St) on a first come, first served basis. Employees will be asked to bring a signed Traction Device Checkout Form. Please note, Facilities and Auxiliaries have their own footwear programs and are not eligible for this limited program.

U of I faculty, staff and students may also purchase traction pullovers locally from a number of vendors in a variety of styles and sizes. Traction pullovers may be purchased by departments for use on-the-job directly from U of I Facilities Shop Stores. To order from Shop Stores, or for additional information, please call 208-885-7555.

In addition to wearing appropriate footwear, please use available handrails and walk on the maintained pedestrian sidewalks and walkways. Using traction pullovers on shoes and boots during the winter months is an additional precaution that can significantly reduce the risk of slips and falls when walking on snow-covered, icy walking surfaces - a frequent cause of serious injuries to U of I employees.

Please note: This equipment is designed and intended for exterior use only and not to be worn inside buildings on hard floor surfaces. Many of the buildings will have seating near entrances for donning and doffing the devices. For additional information about this program, please contact EHS at 208-885-6524 or safety@uidaho.edu.

July 16, 2024: Grilling Safely

Is your department thinking of having a BBQ on campus to welcome students into the fall semester? Your first step is to think safety, and contact EHS. We can assist in determining a location, providing a loaner fire extinguisher and working with you to ensure the requirements below are met. You will need to complete a BBQ Authorization form and submit it to safety@uidaho.edu. If you have any questions, you may also contact us at 208-885-6524.

• Grills are allowed only when used a minimum of 10 feet from buildings, flammable landscaping or other readily ignitable fuel sources.
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy at all times. Loaners are available from EHS.
• Grills must be placed on a hard, noncombustible surface (concrete, asphalt, etc.).
• It is required to use a metal drip pan under the barbeque to prevent grease from staining concrete.
• Grills must be attended at all times when lit.
• Ensure charcoal remains (for charcoal grills) are completely extinguished when finished.
• Do not dispose of charcoal in university dumpsters, trash containers or on the landscaping.
• Do not dispose of spent fuel canisters in a dumpster or trash container.
• Do not bring grills into buildings until cooled.
• Propane tanks are not allowed in university buildings.
• Lighter fluid must be stored as a flammable liquid.

Individuals and unauthorized groups may not conduct grilling on campus. Individuals may grill for tailgating during football games in designated parking lots where tailgating is allowed to occur. University Housing has guidelines related to university apartments and residence halls.