Ski accidents cause over 800,000 days of absence every year
Every year, around 35,000 skiing and snowboarding accidents result in a loss of working time equivalent to around 3,300 working years. Snow sports accidents are not a marginal phenomenon and their consequences last longer today than in the past.
Skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular winter sports in Switzerland. At the same time, the figures from Swiss accident insurance companies show that the impact of snow sports accidents is considerable. Not only for those affected, but also for the companies and work teams that have to compensate for the loss of almost 827,000 working days.
Days lost by age group per year
- 15-24 years: around 4700 accidents, approx. 108 700 compensated working days
- 25-34 years: around 7600 accidents, approx. 171 900 compensated working days
- 35-44 years: around 7600 accidents, approx. 163 100 compensated working days
- 45-54 years: around 9200 accidents, approx. 228,100 compensated working days
- 55-64 years: around 5300 accidents, approx. 147 700 compensated working days
- 65+ years: around 360 accidents, approx. 7100 compensated working days
Snow sports accidents therefore affect all age groups. The highest number of lost working days occurs among 45 to 54-year-olds. There is also a clear age difference in the duration of incapacity to work: while people aged between 15 and 24 record an average of around 21 compensated days lost per case following a snow sports accident, this figure is around 27 days for 55 to 64-year-olds.
More days lost despite stable accident figures
A look at the trend over the last 15 years shows: The number of winter sports accidents has risen only slightly since the mid-2000s (+6 %). However, the number of compensated working days has increased disproportionately over the same period (+16 %). In other words, people are now absent for much longer after skiing accidents than in the past. This is mainly due to demographic trends: the proportion of accident victims over the age of 44 has increased significantly over the last 15 years.
Avoid accidents, reduce downtime
Many accidents can be prevented. Suva recommends snow sports enthusiasts:
- use well-maintained equipment and correctly adjusted bindings
- not to overestimate your own abilities
- Warm up properly before the start
- adapt the pace to the situation and your own ability
- take regular breaks
- Ski and snowboard with a clear head, keep your mind on the slopes
Being aware and considerate on the road reduces the risk of accidents and helps to avoid absences in everyday working life.
Source: Suva
