Winter Slip and Fall Statistics

​JANUARY 12, 2025

 As we know, the winter season can bring plenty of snow, ice, and sleet, making walking and getting around outside more dangerous. With snow and ice being the cause of many slips and falls, and thus injuries, we’ve compiled a comprehensive overview of current winter slip and fall statistics so you can understand and better mitigate the risks.

 Along with offering insight into winter hazards, we’ll also provide info on key prevention strategies, such as snow melting systems, so you can be prepared for the next big snowstorm.

Around 97% of injuries that are caused by weather conditions are related to slipping on ice (CDC)

Winter Slip and Fall Statistics and More

Here are some general winter hazard and slip and fall injury statistics that highlight the effects that winter and cold weather can produce:

• Injuries that are caused by slipping are 10% higher in the month of January (WorkSafeBC)

• 1/5 falls that occur result in broken bones or other serious injuries (Canada Claims)

• Around 97% of injuries that are caused by weather conditions are related to slipping on ice (CDC)

• 1/3 of emergency department visits in the winter were caused by slipping on ice (CDC)

• Regions with freezing winter conditions have a 3x higher rate of slips and falls compared to regions with milder winter conditions (Truveta)

• 22.5% of falls caused by snow and ice resulted in at least one injury (Truveta)

• When looking at falling injuries in Canada, 61% were caused by slipping while walking, with 18% of those slips happening on ice or snow (Public Health Agency of Canada)

• In Canada, falls were the leading cause of hospitalization for all ages (Public Health Agency of Canada)

In the workplace, many employees have experienced slips and falls caused by the winter elements while on the job. Let’s take a look at some workplace slip and fall accident statistics:

• In 2016, 20,520 falls from ice or snow in the workplace resulted in at least one day off from work (Safety Report)

• 41,000 workers have experienced injuries from slipping and falling in the past 6 years in the workplace (WorkSafeBC)

• On average, slip and fall injuries cost British Columbia business 440,000 lost workdays each year (WorkSafeBC)

• During cold and icy months, workplaces see an 11% increase in injuries from falling and slipping (WorkSafeBC)

• Workplace-related slip and fall injuries can cost more than $148 million in claims every year (WorkSafeBC)

Slips and falls in the winter affect all ages, but here are some specific slip and fall injury statistics related to age:

• 1/3 of older adults experience a fall each year (Public Health Agency of Canada)

• One study found that slipping on ice or snow affected older women and young men (20–29 years old) the most, based on those age groups having the highest incidents of injuries (National Library of Medicine)

• When taking a look at general fractures in adults from falls, the fracture risk increases during the colder months with the presence of ice and snow (National Library of Medicine)

• For those who are 65 years or older or 18 years and younger, wrist fractures were the most common injury from falling on ice (Truveta)

Snow and ice not only cause people to slip but also cause vehicles to slide on the road. Here are some insights into how winter weather affects driving:

• Every year, over 1,300 people are killed by vehicle accidents due to ice and snowy conditions (Safety Report)

• In 2017, 740 people died due to injuries caused by slipping on ice (Safety Report)

• Over 116,800 people are injured due to vehicle collisions caused by snow or ice each year (Safety Report)

How To Prevent Winter Slip And Falls

After reviewing various slip and fall accident statistics, you may ask yourself how can winter-related slip and falls be prevented? There are numerous ways you can prevent winter falls at home or at the workplace, such as by:

• Salting your sidewalks and driveways

• Keeping your hands free while walking outside

• Wearing slip-resistant shoes

• Paying attention to your surroundings

• Walking slowly and taking small steps

• Dressing appropriately for the weather

• Investing in snow melting systems

Prevention techniques are highly important to avoid any serious injuries and to keep yourself safe during the winter weather, so make sure to be prepared.

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