Tips on Preventing Winter Injuries
By: Dr. Adrian Granite
It’s winter in New England. That means breaking out the skis and snowboards, and watching the Pats play in the Super Bowl (again). Winter can be a beautiful time of the year, but it can also be very dangerous. With temperatures dropping below freezing and the sun going down before the evening commute, sidewalks and roads can become very hazardous. Here are a couple of safety tips to help avoid injury:
- Sand/salt your driveway and the steps leading to your house before you call it a night. In the morning, everything could be a sheet of ice, so taking preventative measures the night before can help avoid an early morning slip and fall injury.
- Wear shoes with soles that have grip. Too often I see people going for a walk with a pair of summer tennis shoes. Flat-soled shoes provide no support on icy terrain. Find a pair of comfortable boots or a better pair of sneakers that offer some tread.
- Exercise caution while driving, especially in the early morning/ late evening hours. In the morning, the sun has not had time to come out and melt some of the ice on the roads. Even if you are in a rush to get to work, take it a little slower than usual to avoid a patch of ice or another car breaking hard in front of you. A motor vehicle accident will not get you to work on time.
- If you work outdoors at this time of the year, double up on your socks. If your feet are frozen, walking on icy surfaces may become even more difficult. Stay warm to prevent a slip and fall, muscular strain, or frost bite. Take occasional breaks to warm up and stretch. Following these tips could make the difference in avoiding an injury at work and having to miss days.
The winter can be a lot of fun, but if you’re injured, it can be a hassle. Also remember that car accidents, slip and fall injuries and worker’s compensation injuries are almost always covered in full by your insurance policy. These insurance plans are in place for these types of situations. Feel free to contact our office if there are any questions about coverage.
Until then, stay safe!
