The Most Common Personal Injuries During the Holidays & How to Avoid Them

During the holidays, we should all take the time to relax and enjoy the season. However, in reality – constraints on time, multi-tasking, or overextending ourselves and even bad weather all have the potential to lead to an injury.

We’ve compiled a list of the most common personal injuries that happen during the holidays and how you can prevent them.

Slipping Outside On Ice or Snow

We all know that ice and snow are common hazards. Wearing appropriate footwear with reasonable tread goes a long way. Take extra care going down steps or hills and be sure to hang on to any railings available to you if possible. Take your time and don’t rush! If you own property, it is your legal obligation to ensure snow and ice are cleared on the premise.

Driving in Bad Weather

Drivers in Metro Vancouver tend to have a sense of urgency during the holidays. Even when the weather is not optimal, which can be hazardous. Installing the appropriate winter tires is a give-in as well as practicing safe driving techniques, which include lowering your speed and planning your route ahead – allowing yourself extra time to reach a destination.

Holiday Events

Tis’ the season for holiday parties and corporate gatherings – it’s an exciting time for many. However, since alcohol is offered at many of these gatherings, car accidents increase around the holiday season. Planning ahead and arranging a taxi ahead of time or having a designated driver accompany you is the simple solution to avoid drunk driving accidents.

Don’t Overexert Yourself

During the holidays we tend to overextend ourselves – whether it is at work trying to meet a deadline before the Christmas holiday rush or struggling to get those decorations set up for an upcoming Christmas party. Holiday shopping, cleaning, and even cooking can be a hazard if you rush through or overextend yourself to complete these tasks faster.

If you are lifting alone, remember to practice safe lifting techniques by bending your legs at the knees. Always have a spotter when climbing a ladder – you’d be surprised at how many people suffer from ladder accidents during the holidays.

Workplace Injuries

During the holidays, business booms, putting extra pressure on employees to keep up with additional work demands. Extended hours and an increase in customer demand can put employees at higher risk for slips and falls and general accidents. Overextension, extra lifting, and moving at a faster pace than usual can potentially cause injury to one’s back and or neck. While working at a quicker pace, employees can easily forget to practice safety procedures, resulting in a musculoskeletal injury.

• Plan enough time to complete your tasks
• Avoid rushing if possible
• Practice safe lifting techniques
• Always take extra care climbing ladders (have someone spot you)
• Wear shoes with good traction
• Be cautious – watching out for wet floors

If you do get injured at the workplace, ensure that you report it immediately and seek the proper documentation. Follow all procedures, and fill out any documentation necessary. If you need to visit a doctor, make sure you communicate all details of the injury to your doctor for documentation purposes.

Employers should provide a safe environment for their employees. Ensuring a safe workspace with no visible hazards and providing mandatory safety training is a proactive way to prevent employees from injuring themselves on the job. Practicing safety protocols year-round and planning ahead to anticipate the holiday rush – this can help lower the risk of employee injuries during the holidays.

Ensure Gifts Are Safe

It’s important to ensure that toys given to our loved ones are safe. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recalls millions of toys each year. Take Justice Back published a list of the ten most dangerous toys of all time in 2012:

http://www.takejusticeback.com/news/10-most-dangerous-toys-all-time

Even today, there are still many products released that can be considered unsafe for children and adults. You can check an updated list of recalled items here:

https://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/index-eng.php

What You Should Do When Holiday Accidents Happen

Sometimes you can follow all safety precautions yet still get injured or find yourself involved in an accident. Always document your injury and seek treatment right away – this will ensure the process is as smooth as possible. If you find yourself involved in an accident with another party, make sure you document all details of the incident from beginning to end and seek medical treatment immediately.

If you find yourself in need of legal representation, contact a trusted, experienced personal injury lawyer who can provide you with the monetary compensation you deserve. You can trust Tim Louis & Company to ensure the best possible outcome for your personal injury case. Contact us today (604) 732-7678 or email timlouis@timlouislaw.com

sources:

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/managers-supervisors/occupational-health-safety/worksafebc-reporting