IBC Top 10: Tips to avoid wintertime slips, trips and falls

EDMONTON, Feb. 9, 2016 /CNW/ - This winter's icy conditions, along with its freezing and thawing cycles, pose a hazard to pedestrians as they try to maneuver across slippery sidewalks, driveways and walkways. Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is reminding pedestrians to take care and is encouraging homeowners to take steps to help ensure their properties are safe.

"Each winter, slip-and-fall accidents cause serious injuries. Many of these incidents occur in places that people assume are safe, such as outside their front door or in their driveway while getting into the car," said Bill Adams, Vice-President, Western and Pacific, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). "We all have a role to play in helping keep sidewalks, driveways and walkways as clear as possible."  

IBC's Top 10 tips for avoiding slips, trips and falls while walking on snow or ice are:

1. Wear sturdy footwear with good grip.
   • You can always change into other shoes when you reach your destination.
2. Walk slowly and take short, deliberate steps.
   • Allow yourself extra time to get from point A to B so you don't need to make a last-minute dash.
3. Avoid walking with your hands in your pockets.
   • Keeping your hands free helps with balance.
4. Avoid areas with poor lighting.
   • Remember that black ice can look like wet pavement.
5. Use the handrails on stairs so you can catch yourself if you slip.
6. Take extra care when entering or exiting vehicles.
7. Keep walkways clear of debris, water, ice and other slippery materials.
8. Push the snow rather than lift it when shovelling.
   • If you must throw snow, take only as much as you can easily lift, and bend with your knees, not your back.
9. Try to shovel your driveway and sidewalk immediately after a snowfall, before the snow gets packed down.
   • Many municipalities have bylaws that require homeowners to clear city-owned sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours after a snowfall.
10. Salt or sand your front steps, driveway and sidewalk.

About Insurance Bureau of Canada
Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is the national industry association representing Canada's private home, auto and business insurers. Its member companies make up 90% of the property and casualty (P&C) insurance market in Canada. For more than 50 years, IBC has worked with governments across the country to help make affordable home, car and business insurance available for all Canadians. IBC supports the vision of consumers and governments trusting, valuing and supporting the private P&C insurance industry. It champions key issues and helps educate consumers on how best to protect their homes, cars, businesses and properties.

P&C insurance touches the lives of nearly every Canadian and plays a critical role in keeping businesses safe and the Canadian economy strong. It employs more than 118,000 Canadians, pays $6.7 billion in taxes and has a total premium base of $48 billion.  

For media releases and more information, visit IBC's Media Centre at www.ibc.ca. Follow IBC on Twitter @InsuranceBureau and @IBC_West or like us on Facebook. If you have a question about home, auto or business insurance, contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC.

SOURCE Insurance Bureau of Canada

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