Winter Slip And Fall Safety Tips

Snow covered trees, ice glistening from rooftops, and snow falling on a cold winter’s night while you sit by the fireplace may sound very appealing — until you try to walk on ice and snow covered walkways.

Winter weather creates some of the most beautiful landscapes in Rhode Island, but it also creates some of the most treacherous conditions for getting around. Since we cannot hibernate all winter, we need to take precautions to reduce the risk of slips and falls during winter months.

Preventing Winter Slip and Fall Accidents

Thousands of people are injured each year in slip and fall accidents in the United States. Many of these accidents could have been avoided if property owners had maintained their property better or store owners had corrected hazardous conditions promptly. Unfortunately, there is nothing any of us can do to stop Mother Nature from dumping winter weather on our doorstep, but we can follow safety tips designed to prevent winter slip and fall accidents.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets to help regain balance or brace yourself if you do fall. Instead of keeping your hands in pockets to keep warm, wear a good pair of gloves designed for bitter winter weather conditions.
• Always wear winter footwear, such as boots or other slip-resistant footwear. If you want to wear heels or other types of shoes, consider carrying those shoes with you and changing your shoes once you are safely inside your destination.
• Avoid taking large, quick steps. Instead, take slow, small steps to help keep your balance and reduce the risk of sliding.
• Use handrails and handles wherever available.
• Avoid carrying large packages or bags when walking on ice or snow covered surfaces.
• Be very careful when getting into and out of a vehicle. Watch for patches of ice that you may not have noticed when parking.
• As you enter buildings, be cautious of slippery floors created by melting snow and ice.
• Always remain alert. You may think the sidewalk is clear, but you could encounter unexpected ice patches, especially in shady areas.
• Remove snow and ice from porches, steps, and sidewalks as soon as possible. Use salt, sand, or other material to help reduce the risk of a fall.

For more winter safety tips, visit the Winter Health Tips web page for the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Unfortunately, some people will fall this winter on slick surfaces. Falls can result in serious injuries, including broken bones, lacerations, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries. In some cases, a property owner may be liable for your injuries. Property owners cannot control the weather, but they must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their customers and guests.

Call A Rhode Island Slip and Fall Attorney for More Information

If you have been injured in a winter slip and fall accident, contact our office for a free case evaluation. Contact Tapalian Law by calling 401-552-5000 or use our online contact form to schedule a free legal consultation with a Rhode Island slip and fall attorney.

We represent clients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Because your time is important to us, we are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. If you are unable to come to our office, ask about making other arrangements for a free consultation with our Rhode Island slip and fall attorney.

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