Stay Safe from Slips and Falls this Winter
- Albert Scales
Winter can be a beautiful season, but it can also bring potential dangers. Falling on ice or snow can not only be embarrassing, but such falls can cause serious injuries. In order to stay safe this winter and avoid slips and falls, it is important to know what risks exist, and how best to prevent them. Read on for our top tips on keeping safe from slips and falls this winter.
Walk in Baby Steps
Take small steps when walking over slippery surfaces as bigger strides can cause you to lose balance. Using small baby steps when walking across icy surfaces is the best way to maintain balance and keep your footing. If possible, try to avoid these surfaces altogether. However, if it is unavoidable, focus on taking short steps and keeping your hands out of your pockets.
Keep Pathways Clear
Make sure pathways are clear of ice and snow or any obstacles like leaves, sticks or rocks that could be hidden beneath a layer of snow or ice. This includes driveways, sidewalks, paths leading up your front door, and any other areas you may need to traverse in winter weather conditions.
If possible, use a shovel or other tools to remove ice from these areas before attempting to cross them. Also watch out for slick spots such as stairs and ramps that may have been missed by snow plows or shovelers.
Stay Fit
Your physical fitness plays an important role in fall risk reduction because it helps improve your overall balance. Regular exercise will help keep you agile as well as provide greater stability while walking on slick surfaces. Try to incorporate strengthening exercises into your regular routine to help develop muscle strength around your core area which will aid in coordination and balance while standing or walking on slippery surfaces.
Being physically fit does not mean you have to have bulky muscles. Simply doing some light aerobic exercises like jogging or cycling at least three times a week should keep you in shape to maintain balanced footing in winter conditions.
