Preventing Winter Slips and Falls

With winter just around the corner, there are a great number of things to begin looking forward to. From ice skating, to skiing, to building snow men and women in the front yard, winter brings with it a myriad of exciting activities that are fun for every member of the family.

However, with all the fun that winter brings, there are a number of risks associated with it that every person should be familiar with. One of the most threatening winter hazards is the potential to slip and / or fall on patches of ice and snow that will accumulate if you live in a cold region. Slipping or falling on icy ground can lead to serious injuries including lacerations and broken bones, and can ruin your winter fun.

Hopefully the tips presented below will help you understand some of the risks of winter weather and will help you enjoy your winter holidays free from injury.

Winter Safety Tips

· When walking on ground that is (or potentially is) slippery from ice and / or snow, make sure that you walk slowly and keep your hands empty and out of your pockets. In the event that you do slip and fall, you will want to make sure that you don't have anything in your hands so that you can use them to brace yourself and protect your head and face.

· Make sure you're wearing the right clothes for going out in winter weather. The most important piece of clothing you can wear in slippery conditions is a good pair of shoes. You will want shoes with good traction to grip the ground, and good ankle support to prevent a sprain or a twist if you should slip a little.

· Test the ground in front of you before you walk on it. Slippery ground does not always appear slippery, and so it is important to test the ground in front of you before transferring your full weight to it. Stick one foot out in front of you and move it around on the surface of the ground to test how slippery it is-this will give you a good idea of what it would be like to walk on it.

· Do not carry a child while walking on slippery ground. If you should fall, you will put the child's safety in serious jeopardy.

For more information and tips on winter safety, contact the Indianapolis slip and fall injury attorneys of the Charles D. Hankey Law Office today.