Winter Safety – Slips & Falls Prevention
Over one million Americans are injured as a result of slip and fall injuries every year. Slip and fall injury rates increase significantly as temperatures decline. Approximately 50% of those who are injured in slip and fall accidents were walking on level ground when they slipped. Slips, trips, and falls are a leading cause of accidental deaths, second only to motor vehicles.*
When walking in a winter wonderland, we can reduce injuries by planning ahead, using caution while walking, and learning how to fall properly.
Plan ahead & stay focused
- Look where you are walking
- Follow designated walkways and avoid taking shortcuts across snow and ice
- Use handrails when climbing or descending stairs
- Keep your hands free by using a backpack to carry your items
- Wear proper footwear – boots that provide good traction and ankle support
Walk like a penguin
- Point your feet out slightly
- Bend your knees and walk flat-footed
- Extend your arms out to your side to help maintain balance
- Take short steps and shuffle your feet, waddling like a penguin, for stability
Fall Properly
- Protect your head – tuck your chin to your chest
- Avoid putting your arms out to break the fall – keep your limbs loose and pull them in toward your body to avoid a broken arm or wrist
- Turn or roll into the fall
Watch the following videos for more information on Winter Safety – Slips & Falls Prevention:
Walk Like a Penguin: https://youtu.be/BlMo3C4dAPw & The Correct Way to Fall: https://weather.com/safety/winter/video/the-correct-way-to-fall-on-the-ice
* Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
