The holiday season has arrived, which means we have a great excuse to get outside and walk around, have some family fun and do some shopping. Along with the holiday season, freezing temperatures are here, bringing with them freezing rain, piles of snow on the ground and hidden icy sidewalks and roads.
Falls on ice is by far the most common cause of injury during winter time and we know that any of us is at risk of falling on icy sidewalks and roads, but it is potentially dangerous for elderly people who can have serious injuries and fractures from a fall. For many of them, these injuries can be life changing. Canadian scientists performing a study on winter falls and slips have learned that one in three seniors in Canada falls each year and up to 40 per cent that have a serious injury such as a broken hip will not recover. (Winter Lab-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute).
Tilak Dutta, a scientific associate with the institute says : “ You have to be laid up in bed for a while healing, you get deconditioned, your cardiovascular health declines and there are all sorts of things that start to change. We want to prevent those sorts of injuries if we can”.
Learning how to walk safely on the snow/ice can reduce the fear of walking outside during the coldest months of the year and bring back the joy of feeling the crisp cold air and enjoying outdoor activities. It is good to keep in mind that following simple rules can make walking a safe and healthy activity during the freezing months.
We have selected a few tips to help you walk safely during winter season:
- Walk Slow. Don’t Rush – Plan ahead and give yourself extra time. Icy sidewalks and roads can lead to disaster. Choosing the right path to take after bad weather conditions can be tricky, but remember to try to avoid taking shortcuts and choose to walk on surfaces that have been cleared or treated. If you have the option, walking through buildings is definitely a good choice, even if the path seems a little longer. Take your time and arrive safe.
- Use proper Footwear – Choosing the right shoe to wear during winter time is a great way to be safe when walking outdoors. Wear shoes that are waterproof, lightweight, insulated and that provide traction to the snow/ice. Rubber and neoprene materials are most likely to provide more traction to the snow than leather or plastic soles.
- Walk Like a “Penguin” – It’s also important to remember to wear gloves in order to keep your hands warm and out of your pocket to create balance when walking. During the winter time it is common to see people “walking like penguins” when going through slippery sidewalks, trying to keep the balance of their body. This might seem a little odd, but if you do it the right way it can save you from ending up at an emergency room. Check out this interactive graphic from Boston.com on how to walk like a penguin.
It is good to remember that weather conditions can deteriorate overnight where melting snow can freeze on the ground, forming a thin layer of ice that can be potentially dangerous. No matter how clean a sidewalk or a parking lot is, we will always find slippery surfaces when walking outside in the winter. The Government of Canada website is a good resource to use when trying to check for weather updates or even alerts that might be in effect in your area.
Prevention is the key word when trying to avoid falling this winter and with some planning ahead and lots of caution, the winter season can be a fun and enjoyable season to be walking outdoors.
We hope you, your family and everyone around you stay safe this winter. If you have any questions about our safety services, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!
About F.A.S.T. Rescue
F.A.S.T. Rescue are health and safety experts offering consulting, supplies and training solutions that help make employees safe in the workplace. We’re passionate about health and safety, offering unrivaled value and solutions with a satisfaction guarantee. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
