This image is an illustration. It depicts an older couple walking away from the viewer, hand in hand, along a snow-covered coastal path. The person on the left wears a rust-coloured coat, a light-coloured hat, and dark trousers and boots. The person on the right wears a long, dark olive-green coat, and dark trousers and boots. The path is lined with a wooden fence on the right. Beyond the fence, snow-covered cliffs can be seen, and in the distance, a body of water with a few birds flying above it. The sky is a pale, muted blue. Text at the top of the image reads: "As little as 5 minutes being active in the outdoors can have a significant benefit on mood and stress." In the bottom right corner, there is a logo with the words "think health think nature" next to a graphic design featuring overlapping squares and rectangles in shades of yellow, green, and blue.

Avoiding Slips, Trips and Falls in Winter

Now that a cold snap is upon us, it is worth preparing a little to help avoid any unwelcome injuries. Slip and trip accidents increase during the Autumn and Winter season for a number of reasons: there is less daylight, leaves fall onto paths and become wet and slippery and cold weather spells cause ice and snow to build up. There are actions we can take to reduce the risk of a slip or trip.

Lighting

Can you see and can you be seen? The nights are drawing in and we need to ensure our paths and driveways are well lit. Consider carrying a torch or head torch . Wearing bright clothing or a high vis will help other road users to look out for you.

Wet and decaying leaves

Fallen leaves that become wet or have started to decay can create slip risks in two ways; they hide any hazard that may be on the path; or they themselves create a slip risk. Be aware of your surroundings and where practical try and clear leaves around your property or car.

Ice, frost and snow

To reduce the risk of slips on ice, frost or snow, you should wear appropriate footwear with good grips. Salt can stop ice forming and cause existing ice or snow to melt, so consider gritting pathways around your home. Having a snow shovel to hand at home and in the car can help to improve access.

Plan Ahead

Consider the best route to your destination, and allow extra time to get there. If the weather is severe, do you need to go at all? Can it be postponed or alternative arrangement put in place? Temperatures drop at night so moving events to daylight hours can help reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Dress Appropriately

Wear flat shoes with rubber soles or shoes with heavy treads for traction. You can also consider wearing gloves to keep your hands free and keep hands out of your pockets when walking.

Avoid Distractions 

Walk slowly and take short, deliberate steps. Keep your head up and don’t lean forward. Look out for slippery conditions, especially in places that don’t get much sun. Put your phone away and try not to carry heavy items. 

Use Support

You may consider carrying walking poles to help improve balance. Use handrails where available and take care getting in and out of vehicles, holding on to them for support. Consider walking with a buddy and carry a phone that is charged.

Have a first aid kit

Keep a first aid kit stocked at home, in your vehicle, or at work. Call NHS 111 for advice and 999 for emergencies.