Danger in ice and snow

The first snowflakes of the year make for smiling children's faces, a magical winter mood - and falling accidents. Accident insurers register a particularly high number of accidents when the first snow falls on a Monday morning. The way to work then all too often becomes a slippery slope. "Generally, more accidents occur in the morning hours. Fall accidents due to ice and snow, probably because it is colder then than in the evening, the paths and roads are even less cleared and Darkness limits visibility," says Peter Andermatt, Suva's statistician. Accident insurers record up to 2,000 accidents per day in icy and snowy conditions. Fall accidents. That is four times more than on other days.

More serious injuries due to ice and snow

Suva's current evaluations from its "Accidents in Figures" series are based on the results of all 29 UVG insurers who compulsorily insure employed persons against occupational and leisure accidents as well as occupational diseases. The evaluations also show that Fall accidents due to ice and snow can cause additional costs of around 10 million francs for insurers on a single day. On average, a fall accident due to ice and snow amounts to 6700 francs. This is almost one-fifth more than a fall accident without the influence of weather costs (5700 francs). "This cost difference is primarily due to the severity of the injuries," Andermatt said. The most common consequences of falling accidents are sprains, strains and tendon ruptures. However, if ice and snow are involved, more cases result in a fracture - and it is more expensive to heal.

Check weather before leaving home

So what to do so that the way to work does not end in the hospital? It is important to check the weather conditions before leaving home and then decide on suitable footwear. "Drivers who drive in winter road conditions with summer tires endanger themselves and others. So do pedestrians with poor shoes," says Raphael Ammann, campaign manager for trip and fall accidents at Suva.
Suva further recommends taking enough time for the commute and walking carefully - especially in icy and snowy conditions. Whether the Roads However, it is difficult to tell by eye whether the streets and sidewalks are covered with ice. Helpful here is, for example, the MeteoSwiss app, where people can subscribe to push warnings about icy and snowy roads under their location favorites. "Under no circumstances should it be a question of the weather whether you arrive safely at your workplace," says Ammann. So-called shoe spikes, which are mounted directly on the shoes, are also useful, he said. These provide anti-skid protection and thus prevent accidents caused by falling. A drop in the number of accidents means less suffering and lower costs, which in turn benefits Suva's insured companies in the form of lower premiums.

Preventing falling accidents - Suva recommendations:

• Find out about the current weather conditions in good time - e.g. with the MeteoSchweiz app, on the radio or on the Internet.
• Wear shoes that fit well on your feet and have non-slip tread soles.
• Iced Stairs pose a great risk of accidents. Always hold on to the handrail on stairs.
• Calculate enough time for the route on foot. This will allow you to walk slowly and carefully.
• Whenever possible, use sidewalks that are clear of snow and ice.
• Use a slip guard for your shoes in winter conditions - for even better grip.

Text: SUVA