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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.
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:
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Injuries that are caused by slipping are 10% higher in the month of January (WorkSafeBC)
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1/5 falls that occur result in broken bones or other serious injuries (Canada Claims)
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Around 97% of injuries that are caused by weather conditions are related to slipping on ice (CDC)
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1/3 of emergency department visits in the winter were caused by slipping on ice (CDC)
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Regions with freezing winter conditions have a 3x higher rate of slips and falls compared to regions with milder winter conditions (Truveta)
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22.5% of falls caused by snow and ice resulted in at least one injury (Truveta)
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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)
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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:
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In 2016, 20,520 falls from ice or snow in the workplace resulted in at least one day off from work (Safety Report)
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41,000 workers have experienced injuries from slipping and falling in the past 6 years in the workplace (WorkSafeBC)
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On average, slip and fall injuries cost British Columbia business 440,000 lost workdays each year (WorkSafeBC)
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During cold and icy months, workplaces see an 11% increase in injuries from falling and slipping (WorkSafeBC)
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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:
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1/3 of older adults experience a fall each year (Public Health Agency of Canada)
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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)
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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)
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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:
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Every year, over 1,300 people are killed by vehicle accidents due to ice and snowy conditions (Safety Report)
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In 2017, 740 people died due to injuries caused by slipping on ice (Safety Report)
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Over 116,800 people are injured due to vehicle collisions caused by snow or ice each year (Safety Report)
“What ‘Full Coverage’ Actually Looks Like — Before vs After”
Apartment building before our crew arrived at 4:37AM and after our crew completed service at 5:46 AM
BEFORE
AFTER
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How to Prevent Winter Slips 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:
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Salting your sidewalks and driveways
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Keeping your hands free while walking outside
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Wearing slip-resistant shoes
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Paying attention to your surroundings
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Walking slowly and taking small steps
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Dressing appropriately for the weather
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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.
Avoid Winter Slips and Falls with an Only-Strata Winter Maintenance Package.
Snow Removal Services for Strata Communities Across 26 BC Cities
Only-Strata Snow Removal provides dedicated snow removal, salting, and winter risk management exclusively for strata properties, multi-unit housing, daycares, and senior residences. Explore our service areas below — covering 26 cities across Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, North Shore, and UBC. Each city has its own dedicated landing page with local details, snow data, and booking availability.
From downtown towers to shaded lanes, we keep Vancouver strata properties safe, salted, and storm-ready.
Surrey’s sprawling complexes deserve reliable winter service. We cover everything from Cloverdale to Newton.
From Metrotown to Burnaby Mountain, we protect high-traffic strata zones with precise, early-morning clearing.
Sloped driveways and shared aprons? Our team is built for Burquitlam and strata-heavy hillsides.
From Riverport to Steveston, our teams manage wet snowfall and icy zones near sea level.
Cold snaps hit harder out here — we bring rural strength with city precision to townhomes and senior zones.
Lakeside walks and forested strata zones get early salting and documentation—especially around Anmore & Belcarra.
From Walnut Grove to Langley City, we handle senior living zones, cul-de-sacs, and shared townhouse access points.
Ocean winds and surprise ice require proactive care. We handle exposed lots with fast salting and cleanup.
Agassiz & Harrison strata properties need smart timing and route plans. We cover them with full documentation.
Heavy snow and refreeze zones mean every walkway matters. We prep early and salt smart.
This industrial-residential pocket receives timely strata snow care through our New Westminster route network.
From Marpole to Main Street, this strata-dense zone is handled with precision by our Vancouver service crews.
Slope-built homes, winding roads — we manage high-risk zones from Lynn Valley to the Lonsdale corridor.
British Properties to Ambleside, our service is built for hillside access, private lanes, and upscale stratas.
Citadel Heights to Lincoln Park — Only-Strata prevents refreeze on steep driveways and school routes.
We serve faculty housing, student apartments, and multi-unit zones with quiet service and legal coverage.
Coastal black ice is no joke — Only-Strata protects hilly walkways and apartment entries above the beachline.
From Ladner to North Delta, our crews handle icy sea-level walkways and shared spaces with layered salting.
With lowlands and fog-prone streets, we deliver consistent salting for strata safety — no matter the microclimate.
Fast response times for steep residential areas and strata roads near forest zones and river flats.
Hills, school routes, and family-focused developments — we cover them with pre-event salting and GPS tracking.
With deeper snow events and high refreeze risks, Chilliwack stratas rely on our timing and tech.
Rural roads, family zones, and strata sites in Agassiz receive full coverage through our Kent dispatch.
Strata homes near the lake get early salting and proactive care — fully covered under our Kent winter service routes.
Strata clusters and shared lanes in Cloverdale are fully covered under our Surrey winter maintenance plan.
Average slip-and-fall Settlement amounts in Canada:
While every slip and fall case is unique, settlement amounts in Canada can vary significantly. The severity of the injury, the location of the accident, and the specifics of the negligence all play a crucial role in determining how much you may be entitled to.
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