Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Should we use ice grippers more?

There's an article in the Omaha World-Herald Online Edition titled: Slip-on ice grippers keep you upright. The article quoted Omaha postal carrier Jessica Jefferis, who is a big fan of these slip-one ice grippers, “This is like having studded tires on your car,” she said. “They are amazing.”

They cost about $40 a pair. Do you use them? Do you like them? Should more carriers use them?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think that every employee should use whatever it takes to keep themselves safe.

Anonymous said...

These should be issued to every postal worker that has to negotiate snow and ice. I find mine a comfort because I do not fear falling.

Hardworkinrik said...

IMHO (in my humble opinion);
Yaktrax's are good, but they quickly break if you use them on clear roads or sidewalks - and wearing them all day can hurt your feet.
The full length hard rubber ones grippers with the screw top studs can REALLY hurt your feet after all day wear and after they wear down, they get slick.
Both types slip on tile floors or any smooth surfaces.
All regulation footwear is great if you remember to take short steps, watch where you step and test the conditions. Being aware of your footing is key as well as not attempting to deliver anywhere the footing is not safe.
If you think to yourself, "Mr. or Ms. customer is going to break their neck if they come out here" - don't deliver! Binder and mark the mail "unsafe".
My judgement is the only one that counts.

Anonymous said...

hated these things; never could stand to wear any of the types out there. made my feet hurt; slip and slide on porches. no thanks. i fought the powers that be one time as a delivery super when the higher ups wanted to issue discipline to a carrier who slid on ice while not wearing them. still won't wear them on the days i have to go out and cover for my carriers.

Anonymous said...

Our HCR carrier is now diligent about wearing them when needed. 2 years ago she slipped on road ice and rupured her spleen. It was not a fun time for any of us. Wear them! :)

Anonymous said...

Who pays for them?

Anonymous said...

I had to order them for my rural carrier - per my MPOO.

Anonymous said...

My carrier uses them and I don't blame him. I detest the thought of falling. I work at a plant and I almost think they should issue all employees these things because maneuvering through our very large parking lot can be treacherous. I have almost slipped many times because our understaffed custodial staff can't keep up with making sure the parking lot is safe and people park in the designated walkways leaving us to maneuver around the cars. Safety is EVERYONE'S business.

Carl Marsh said...

As a professional retailer and distributor of these products I have a vested interest. But I can honestly say everyone I have engaged with about these products says they could not imagine getting through a winter without them. i think the key is to get the right product for your needs. Having tested just about every product on the market and currently selling over 60 lines my personal favourite is ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip. I have been wearing them 8 hours a day this winter, here in London - off and on buses, rushing around on slick ice, slush, deep and shallow snow - they have been brilliant. I have piles of testimonial letters and emails for the various products we sell. Complaints vary from a few to none dpending on the brand. Again, singing the praises of ICetrekkers Diamond Grip I have not had a single return or complaint.