Slip and fall injuries are extremely common during the winter months. Snow, ice, and other slick surfaces can make walking through parking lots or down sidewalks hazardous. Keep yourself safe this winter by working to avoid slip and fall injuries.
Dress Appropriately
With the slippery sidewalks and driveways that often accompany winter weather, it is important to dress appropriately to protect yourself when outside. Wear thick boots with neoprene or rubber soles that will provide you with better traction than plastic or leather. While smooth-soled shoes may be comfortable, they should be avoided in icy and snowy conditions. A thick winter coat will keep you warm when outside and will prevent you from moving hastily and potentially experiencing a fall.
Keep Sidewalks Clear
As a home or business owner, it is your responsibility to keep your sidewalks clear and safe. Ensure that you are always shoveling and salting your sidewalks so that they are safe to walk on. If you are a business owner, schedule regular maintenance and inspections of snow blowers and other equipment before the first snowfall, and ensure that these inspections are well-documented with a maintenance log.
Be Careful Around Your Car
Winter driving can be hazardous when the roads get slippery, but cars are often the source of many winter slips and falls. Many people fall when they are exiting their vehicle, as they are unaware that their car is parked in an area with poor footing. Use extra caution when entering or exiting your vehicle, and make every effort to park in an area that has been coated with salt or sand.
Ensure Your Indoor Floors are Dry
After trudging through the snow and ice, it’s easy to track this debris into your home. Once exposed to your heated house, the snow and ice will melt and can become a slippery mess. Ensure that you and your family are safe by keeping the floors dry. Place mats and scrapers for your boots near the doorways, and encourage your family members to leave their shoes at the door. Also, consider putting up signs near the entrances to your home to warn others about potentially slick surfaces.
Plan Your Route in Advance
If you need to walk in the snowy weather, plan your route in advance so that you can find the safest path to your destination. Choose a route that offers level and clear paths, and avoid taking a shortcut that might send you unsafe territory. By taking a proactive approach to determining your route, you can reduce potential slip and fall dangers.
Watch for Black Ice
Black ice is a hidden danger of winter weather that many people don’t notice until it is too late. Black ice is particularly troublesome in the days following a storm, as a thin layer of water will remain and refreeze once sidewalks and stairs have been cleared. Be on the lookout for black ice when walking in shadowed areas or later in the evening when the light is fading.
Sometimes, despite taking all necessary precautions, people still suffer from a slip and fall injury due to winter weather. If you find yourself in this situation, contact us for assistance in getting the compensation that you deserve.