The cold, snow and ice can be a challenging time of year for injuries. Below we’ll be taking a look at the five most common winter injuries and how to prevent them…
The colder winter months, bring us snow, hot chocolates and endless fun seasonal sports.
However, once the days become shorter and colder, life can also become slightly more challenging. During winter, drivers are at a 20% higher risk of being in a car accident during winter as well as there being plenty of injuries associated with the colder months such as hypothermia and frostbite.
If you were to experience an injury which is the fault of neglect, personal injury lawyers in Bristol can help guide you through the process of claiming compensation.
Below we’re going to give you a run-through of some of the most common injuries in winter as well as, offer advice on how you can best avoid them …
1. Injuries From Slips and Falls
As the temperature drops, it is easy to see how trips and falls become common injuries during winter. We suffer from heavy rain, ice and snow, so it is extremely easy for us to trip and fall.
When you slip or fall, you can experience broken bones or sprains and other injuries such as concussion or back injuries. On average, there are around 400 accidents each year that are caused by ice and snow.
You can consult a slip and fall attorney near me if you’ve sustained a personal injury through possible negligence.
Preventing injuries from slips and falls
To avoid slips and falls, you should make sure you have the right footwear. Give yourself more time to walk to places and make sure you take short strides and steps. Around your home, you should lay down grit or salt to help dissolve the ice or snow while you should make sure you don’t keep your hands in your pockets.
2. Hypothermia
This is yet another common winter problem. It happens when the temperature of your body drops below 35C. So, when the temperature drops excessively low, it can make it difficult for your body to maintain a healthy temperature.
One of the first signs of hypothermia is shivering and this is an indication that your body is attempting to keep warm. You might also find that you breathe more rapidly, cannot think clearly and lose dexterity. This can be caused by being exposed to cold temperatures outdoors or by not heating your home adequately.
Preventing hypothermia
If you are heading outdoors, then you should make sure that you wear appropriate clothing. Make sure your skin is covered and you should also wear a hat and gloves. Drinking warm drinks can help but you should also set your heating to a minimum of 18C.
3. Road Traffic Accident Injuries
Road traffic accidents are caused much like other accidents at this time of year – ice, snow and poor visibility. Roads can become slippery, and fog can prevent you from seeing clearly ahead of you. Once you lose control of your vehicle it can be extremely hard to regain control.
This can cause multiple vehicle pileups but as a result, it can result in a variety of injuries. This can include head injuries, chest injuries, limb injuries and the likes of whiplash.
Preventing road traffic accidents
The first thing you should do is ensure that your vehicle is safe for driving during the winter. It should have the right tyres and your brakes should be in good working order. You should also have a safety kit in your vehicle that can help you deal with problems such as dealing with breakdowns.
4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
As the temperatures drop during winter, we find ourselves heating our homes more. We might use furnaces or central heating to heat our homes. However, with this comes the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
This is a clear and odourless gas that can kill but it can cause symptoms such as fatigue, headaches and dizziness.
Preventing carbon monoxide poisoning
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you should have your heating system inspected by a certified Gas Safe registered engineer. It is also important to make sure that ventilation is managed, and you should install a carbon monoxide alarm.
5. Frostbite
Being exposed to cold temperatures for long periods of time can cause frostbite. It doesn’t matter how warm you dress, your extremities can experience a problem such as your nose, ears and cheeks.
Preventing frostbite
Where possible, you should avoid freezing temperatures and not spend long periods of time outside. If you do have to spend time outdoors, wear as much warm clothing as possible, especially those that cover your extremities.
Plan your journeys…
As we’ve mentioned, there are several common injuries or problems that you might experience during winter. From hypothermia due to cold temperatures, to road traffic accidents due to the ice and snow, there are plenty of things to prepare for during the colder months.
The best things you can do to prevent a nasty fall on the ice or freezing temperatures in your home are by wearing the appropriate clothing, making sure your home is well-insulated and taking extra care behind the wheel if driving.
Please be advised that this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Be sure to consult an injury lawyer/solicitor if you’re seeking advice on a personal injury. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with using or acting upon the information on this site.
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