The Blog

Preventing Winter Slips and Falls.

Stay safe this winter: enhancing balance and coordination to prevent workplace injuries

Molly Woollett

23/09/24

The Blog

Preventing Winter Slips and Falls.

Stay safe this winter: enhancing balance and coordination to prevent workplace injuries

23/09/24

Introduction

As winter approaches, icy walkways and slippery surfaces become a daily risk for many, particularly for those who work outdoors or in environments where slips and falls are common. Whether commuting, working in construction, or moving between office sites, ensuring employees stay safe and injury-free is critical. Enhancing balance and coordination is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidents during icy conditions, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSDs).

At Back In Action, we understand the importance of preparing employees for the challenges posed by cold weather. As a leading occupational health physiotherapy provider, we’ve outlined some practical tips to improve balance, coordination, and overall physical resilience during the winter months.

Strengthen Core Muscles

A strong core is essential for maintaining stability, especially on slippery surfaces. Core-strengthening exercises such as planks, side planks, and bird-dog movements can enhance employee’s ability to maintain balance in challenging situations.

Tips for Employers: Encourage core exercises as part of workplace wellness programmes to help employees stay safe.

Leg Strengthening for Stability

Building strength in the lower body can improve an individual’s ability to react to unstable ground, such as snow or ice. Exercises like squats, lunges, and heel raises are effective for improving leg strength and awareness of body position.

Tips for Employers: Incorporate leg-strengthening exercises in ergonomic assessments or injury prevention programmes.

Balance Specific Training

Balance exercises are vital for maintaining coordination. Simple practices such as standing on one leg or using a balance board can improve employee stability in unpredictable conditions.

Tips for Employers: Provide resources or workshops on balance exercises to promote employee safety, particularly for those working outdoors.

Appropriate Footwear

Ensuring employees wear suitable footwear with good grip is a key safety measure. Shoes with anti-slip soles or boots equipped with ice grips are ideal for preventing falls on slippery surfaces.

Tips for Employers: Make footwear recommendations part of your occupational health guidelines, particularly for workers exposed to outdoor environments.

Encourage a Slower Pace

Running on slippery surfaces increases the likelihood of losing balance. Employees should be encouraged to take their time when walking on icy pavements to minimise the risk of falling.

Tips for Employers: Communicate the importance of safety over speed during winter months to employees.

The Role of Occupational Health Physiotherapy

Occupational health physiotherapy plays a crucial role in reducing workplace injuries, especially in winter when slips, trips and fall are more common. At Back In Action, we work with employers to provide tailored injury prevention programmes, including balance and coordination training, ergonomic assessments, and advice on safe movement practices during colder months.

Why Prevention is Key

Proactively addressing balance and coordination can significantly reduce the risk of workplace injuries and MSDs. By investing in occupational health services, employers can reduce absences, increase workplace productivity, and maintain a health, safe working environment.

Winter Safety Starts Now

Winter conditions bring added risks, but with the right strategies in place, you can ensure your employees stay safe, healthy, and injury-free. From providing proper footwear to encouraging balance training, small steps can make a big difference in preventing accidents.

At Back In Action, we’re committed to helping businesses improve workplace safety and employee wellbeing. Don’t wait until it’s too late—prepare your team for the challenges of icy and slippery conditions with our occupational health services.

Contact Back In Action today to learn how we can help you create a safer, healthier work environment this winter.

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