In the winter, slips and falls on snow or ice are a frequent danger. The feeling is probably familiar to you. You step on a patch of ice while walking outside. You start to worry when you feel your feet losing traction. To regain your balance and hopefully prevent a fall, you extend your arms.
But what if you do trip and fall?
Unfortunately, falling on ice can be a frightening experience and dangerous. Serious injuries may result from slipping and falling on a snowy or icy sidewalk. While attempting to break your fall, you run the risk of breaking your arm or hitting your head on the hard ground. If you experience any pain after a fall, call for medical assistance.
To reduce the risk of injuries, purchase snow-melting mats.
What are common injuries caused by a slip and fall?
- Back Injuries
- Fractures / Broken Bones
- Bruises
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Concussions
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
The cost of treating injuries can be high, especially if they are serious. An injury can alter your life due to medical expenses, potentially lost wages and emotional suffering costs.
How Property Owners Can Avoid Falls During Ice or Snow
Property owners can take preventative measures to shield themselves from liability claims or accidents. It’s essential to take the necessary steps to quickly remove snow and ice from pedestrian walking areas.
You ought to do all of the following as soon as possible:
- Before a snowstorm, purchase a shovel, salt, and other necessities.
- If you are not able to shovel snow or do not have time, buy heated outdoor snow melting mats to keep the walkways clear.
- Shovel snow with care. Leave no small snow or ice patches behind.
- To give pedestrians more traction, sprinkle snow melting compound, sand, or gravel on the ground near walking areas.
- Use a safe area to pile snow. Make sure that any melted snow runoff won’t freeze again on the pavement.
- To encourage foot wiping, place a wiper/scraper mat at the entrance to your home or place of business.
- Remove any puddles of melted snow that have formed close to your house or place of business so that they do not freeze again when the temperature drops.
