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Less slipping, thanks to a ‘Yak’

Scott Condon
Vail, CO, Colorado

ASPEN ” Local bus drivers got help from a yak.

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority was experiencing a greater number of injuries and medical claims than usual from drivers and other employees because of weather-related accidents this winter. It prompted the senior management to take a closer look at the problem.

“Clearly our biggest hit is slips and falls,” said Kent Blackmer, the transit agency’s co-director of operations.



At first, agency officials didn’t think they could do anything to avoid slips and falls other than urge drivers and other workers to be careful. Then, “almost on a lark” Blackmer decided to call Yaktrax, a North Carolina-based manufacturer of traction devices that can be pulled over boots and shoes.

The company offered to sell the agency a number of shoe covers at half price if it bought in bulk. Blackmer said roughly 150 out of 220 employees jumped at the opportunity to acquire the extra tread.

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In thanks, an agency employee took some photos of his fellow workers in their Yaktrax at scenic spots in Aspen. The pictures were sent to the company and offered for possible promotional purposes.

Since everything worked so well with Yaktrax, agency management came up with another bright idea. Blackmer said the agency is preparing to approach Maglite, the maker of high-powered flashlights, to see if it’s interested in a bulk-buy deal.

Scott Condon’s e-mail address is scondon@aspentimes.com.


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