As winter looms ever closer, it is time to start thinking about how to stay safe in the snow. Whether you’re preventing your own falls or someone else’s, everybody wins. Falls are the leading cause of hospital visits, so here are a few ways to prevent them.

 

 

1. Know the Common Causes

Common causes of slips, trips, and falls include:

• Wet or oily floors
• Uneven walking surfaces
• Freshly waxed floors
• Loose flooring
• Missing or uneven floor tiles
• Damaged steps
• Sloped walking surfaces
• Shoes with wet or muddy soles
• Clutter
• Hidden cables
• Damaged ladder steps
• Metal surfaces
• Weather hazards

2. Keep it Clean

Keep everything clean and clear. The absence of anything to trip over reduces the chances of injuring yourself in a fall. Keep the sidewalks and walkways on your property clear and in good repair. Remove any snow or ice from your driveway, sidewalks, and other walkways. Salt the area regularly in cold weather to prevent ice forming.

3. Moisture-absorbance

Use moisture-absorbent mats in entrances of your home. Clean up any spills immediately. Remove anything that might cause your floor to be slippery.

4. Sufficient Lighting

Make sure that lighting is always bright enough to see by. Poor lighting can make it difficult to see potential tripping hazards or obstacles that might be in your way.

5. Wear Proper Shoes

Proper shoes can make all the difference when walking across a slippery surface. Ensure that your shoes have enough grip to create a good amount of friction when you are walking. Invest in a good pair of non-slip shoes, or in products that can increase your shoes’ traction. Use products like grip pads, traction sprays, or even hair spray.

In 2014, there were 42,480 work injuries that involved ice, sleet, or snow. The danger of a slip, trip, or fall rises as the temperature drops. Follow these tips to stay safe this winter. For information about how to handle a personal injury case involving a slip, trip, or fall, contact one of our attorneys today.