Winter Safety – Prevent Slips, Trips & Falls

As temperatures drop and snow flies, the number of injuries due to slips, trips and falls increases. 

Workers suffer bruises and abrasions, broken limbs, cracked ribs, serious back and head injuries, often resulting in time off work. 

But it doesn’t take record-breaking snowfalls or ice storms to cause slips and trips. 

In Canada, more than 42,000 workers get injured annually due to falls, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Statistics show the majority (66%) are due to slips and trips on the same level. The remaining (34%) are falls from heights, such as ladders, stairs or roofs. 

While much attention is given to prevent workers falling from elevations, the reality is that anyone can slip, trip and possibly fall on level ground. And winter’s wet and icy conditions make the likelihood even greater. 

Tips to Avoid Injury 

To help avoid injury when walking on ice and snow, here are some helpful tips: 

• Walk slowly and deliberately, focused on the path ahead. 
• Where possible, avoid slippery surfaces, such as extremely icy areas and snow banks. 
• Wear appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles to work, and change into indoor footwear. Ice grippers that attach to your footwear are a great was to provide additional traction. 
• Use handrails where available. 
• Do not walk with your hands in your pockets or carrying too much of a load. 
• Your arms help with balance and can help brace your fall, should you slip. 
• Check to make sure entrance areas and stairs are clear of snow and slush. 
• Tracked in snow and slush often causes slips and falls. 
• Clean your shoes when you go inside. 
• Caked snow and ice on shoe soles can be treacherous. 
• Report all slips, trips and fall hazards and incidents to your manager and Safety Manager