Fall Prevention Month: Preventing Fall-Related Injuries during the Winter Season

November is Fall Prevention Month in Canada. At Legate Injury Lawyers, we want to spread awareness on how to prevent fall-related injuries that can cause severe injuries to you and your loved ones.

Slips, trips, and falls frequently occur across Canada due to snow and ice, slippery surfaces, visual obstructions and uneven/broken surfaces. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), in 2020, 162,222 unintentional slip-and-fall injuries occurred in Canada, representing just short of two-thirds (59.5%) of all injury hospitalizations and emergency room (ER) visits recorded during the year.

To prevent devastating impacts of slip and fall injuries, we have compiled a list of tips that property owners and occupiers can take to ensure their areas are maintained during the winter season to promote a safer environment for all:

1. Frigid temperatures and inclement weather can lead to ice and snow – which presents dangerous slip-and-fall hazards. It is important that walkways, stairs and driveways used year-round are properly shoveled and salted to avoid any risk of injury.
2. Not just in the winter, but also year-round, walkways and other public spaces should be clear of clutter that could be a potential hazard. Examples of hazards include yard tools, electrical cords and other objects which obstruct pathways.
3. In Canada, the longer nights in winter months present higher risks for slip-and-fall injuries. Dim or poorly lit spaces are equally as dangerous as ones with physical obstructions; hence, common areas should have adequate lighting so that people can see where they are going, regardless of the time of day.
4. If at any time a walkway is temporarily unsafe for someone to navigate (i.e. in the event of a chemical spill or water leakage), clear signage needs to be posted. Significant hazards should be cordoned off until they are made safe.

Slip, trip, and fall accidents can happen to anyone and we all have a role to play in preventing devastating fall related injuries, which can dramatically change a person’s life. By identifying and eradicating slip-and-fall risks and reporting dangerous conditions, we can create safer conditions for everyone this winter season.

If you or a loved one were injured in a slip-and-fall accident in Ontario due to someone else’s negligence, we encourage you to consult our team at Legate Injury Lawyers to explore your legal options. Please contact us through our website or give us a call at 226-777-8817 to book a consultation.