The snow, ice, and cold that characterizes winter weather provides wonderful opportunities for such outdoor activities as sledding, skating and a good-natured snowball fight. But according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor, winter weather also presents the greatest hazards for slips, trips, and falls when sidewalk and roadway surfaces become slick and slippery. Icy conditions and blustery winds often make it much more challenging to stand upright and stay on your feet.
As many as 300,000 individuals sustain serious injuries every winter season due to wet, slick, and icy surface conditions. This is especially true of the senior population, one age group that seems to be at greatest risk when it comes to experiencing falls in winter weather that cause injuries, some of which can unfortunately be life-altering.
One of the best ways that individuals of any age can be proactive and substantially reduce their risk of experiencing a slip, fall, or trip during the winter season, is to observe the following proven safety habits, provided to you by a personal injury lawyer Minneapolis MN trusts, that can help you from becoming a winter weather fall victim over the coming months.
Choose Proper Footwear
You may think it’s only a few steps down your walkway to get to the mailbox, or you plan on getting directly into your car, but it’s important to wear sturdy shoes or boots with treads, even if you are only intending to walk a few steps. If you are attending an event that requires heels or street shoes at your destination, carry them with you. Boots and shoes designed for walking on snow and ice are essential to lower your risk of becoming off-balance, slipping, and falling.
Take Your Time
It may be a good idea in the winter to give yourself a few extra minutes, so that you are not rushing ahead, distracted, and suddenly finding yourself injured on the sidewalk. Stay off your cell phone or other mobile device when walking outdoors during winter so that you can concentrate on the path ahead, taking it one step at a time and paying attention to icy patches.
Use Your Hands
Wear gloves instead of shoving your hands in your pockets. Keeping your hands and arms free may help you catch yourself in the event that you do take a fall. Using your arms may help you keep your body in balance. If there are handrails available along your path, hold on with one hand and use them to steady yourself. You may also want to minimize what you are carrying to better keep your arms free for balance.
Test Slick Spots
If you see what looks like an icy patch on the path ahead, test it using only the toe of your shoe, rather than putting your entire weight on the area. Be aware, also, that in winter, there are patches on driveways and roadways that simply look wet, but can prove to be dangerous areas of black ice. If an area looks wet, test it first before walking ahead.
Small Steps
Most individuals walk with a confident stride, but it may be much safer to take smaller steps when walking over areas with snow and ice. During winter weather, never run to get where you are going. Lose a few minutes to walking slowly so that you can keep your balance and your health intact.
Keep Walkways and Driveways Clear
Clear walkways and driveways of snow as soon as possible, and use salt liberally to prevent ice build-up. This is especially important if your walkways are accessible to the public. Keeping sidewalks clear will help you avoid injuries to yourself, and potential lawsuits from victims injured on your property.
Thanks to our friends and contributors from Johnston | Martineau PLLP for their insight into personal injury practice.