Slips, trips and falls were the third most common cause of workplace injury in 2016.
It’s no surprise the Workers Compensation Board of Nova Scotia sees a spike over the winter months.
Shelley Rowan with WCB Nova Scotia says snow, black ice and rain in the winter are major factors.
“You could slip in a parking lot, on a roadway, on the sidewalk or inside a work place,” she says.
“Snow can get trapped inside, the snow melts and water on a hard-surface floor can be a very dangerous thing.”
Rowan says there are many ways to prevent injuries.
She says if someone is constantly getting in and out of a vehicle they should always try to keep three points of contact.
“Either you have both feet on the ground, and one hand to steady you, or you have two hands holding onto the vehicle and one foot on the ground,” she says.
“It’s a great way to make sure you’re stable.”
She says wearing the right footwear, applying salt when needed and paying attention to the weather forecast are some more ways to keep safe.
On average, injuries from a fall result in 61 days of work loss.
According to WCB Nova Scotia, more than 1200 workers lost time last year after they tripped, slipped or fell at work.
To see a full list of safety tips, visit WCB Nova Scotia.
