Falls are one of many concerns when working outdoors in North Carolina in below-freezing temperatures. Falling on the job can lead to injuries that may require a long recovery and take considerable time away from work. This can significantly impact one’s ability to pay their expenses. For those working outdoors, it’s helpful to know ways in which to prevent falls so that these life-changing injuries don’t happen.
Preventing falls during winter
When working outdoors during winter, one must be aware of the conditions of roads and sidewalks. Ice is not always visible and walking on ice or snow can cause one to lose their footing. A deicer can be used to clear walkways, but this is not the only solution to preventing falls. Those who work outdoors should always wear proper footwear and use caution when walking in areas where deicer can’t be used.
Some falls are simply not avoidable so it’s important to know how to fall in a way that can reduce the chances of being injured. Safe falling techniques, like allowing the body to go limp when one knows a fall is coming can reduce injuries. The instinct to put one’s arms out to break a fall should be avoided since this can often lead to wrist fractures. Using one’s arms to protect the neck and head can also prevent injuries.
Seek help when a fall happens on the job
Those who work outdoors in winter can’t always avoid falls. Essential workers must be available to work, no matter what the outside conditions are like. This puts these workers at risk of injury when there is ice and snow on the ground. When a North Carolina worker is injured in a fall at work, they have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim to recoup their financial losses.