Tips from the pros: St. John's garbage collectors rely on ice cleats in winter
Ice cleats dig into snow and ice, providing extra grip
Take it from the professionals: sometimes, you just need a little extra traction.
St. John's garbage collectors rely on ice cleats in the winter months to navigate on sometimes-slippery streets, according to city staff.
Deputy city manager of public works Lynnann Winsor says her staff are well equipped.
"We do have a couple of different types of ice cleats in stock for our refuse collectors, and to my knowledge most of them utilize them every day," she told CBC Radio's On The Go.
While some St. John's residents find it tricky to traverse icy walkways, Winsor says her staff are ready.
"Our staff are well-trained and experienced and they take every precautionary measure they can when they're collecting residents' garbage," she said.
The extra grip is paying off — there haven't been any injuries so far this winter, Winsor said.
How you can help
Some people would rather shut themsleves in during the winter than brave slippery sidewalks. But for those who must combat the conditions for work, Winsor says there are some things everyone can do to reduce the chance of a slip and fall.
Winsor said people can help garbage collectors in the winter months by making sure garbage bags or bins are placed in a visible and accessible area — not on top of a snow bank.
You should also take care to remove any excess water in bins, in the event that it freezes.
"Sometimes they will freeze and freeze the garbage. Now it can be stuck in ice, so when you go to pull it up, it has a lot more weight to it."
Winsor added residents should avoid putting out their garbage the night before collection because snowfall or a passing snowplow could cover it up.