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The winter season is upon us. With the holidays approaching, your mind may be on holiday preparations or you may just be overcome with the feeling of the season. But this time of year also can bring accidents and other incidents that can be harmful to a person’s health.

Last winter, more than 25 percent of fall-related injures seen in Trinity Health’s Emergency Room were “directly related to ice or snow,” explained Laurie Ramsey, RN, BSN, Lead Trauma Registrar/Injury Prevention Specialist with Trinity Health’s Trauma Services department. “Although only a little over 1 percent of injuries seen in Trinity’s ER result from a fall off a ladder; the majority of them occur during the winter months.”

Additionally, Ramsey said, almost 100 percent of winter cold exposure-related hospitalizations were the result of improper dressing for the weather.

Winter Awareness

• Take extra time for car travel. Pay attention to impending weather. If bad weather is approaching, wait to travel when conditions improve. Always keep a winter survival kit in your car.
• Dress appropriately for the weather. Be prepared in case you are forced to stay outdoors longer than anticipated.
• Watch for snow and ice when walking. Wear appropriate footwear. Walk with your feet angled slightly outward. Keep your arms at your sides, not tucked into pockets. Take slower, shorter steps.

Winter Sports (snowmobiling, ice skating, sledding, skiing, etc.)

• The snow and cold can quickly increase the magnitude of an injury. Avoid going alone when it comes to winter outdoor activities. Remember to take breaks from the fun to warm up and rest. In addition to winter clothing, wear additional gear recommended/required for the activity. Know your route and the surrounding area and be sure to inform others of your location. If skating outdoors, be sure the ice is thick enough for the activity.
• Be responsible with alcohol. Alcoholic beverages reduce coordination, decrease awareness of surroundings, and lower your inhibitions, which increases your risk for injury.

Holiday Decorating

• Do not use electrical décor with frayed or damaged cords. Do not leave any electric or flame type decorations unattended.
• Keep walkways clear. Decorations or wrapped gifts that are in a walking path present a tripping hazard. Clean up gift wrap, packaging, ribbons, and bows immediately after gift opening.
• Be aware of small decorations, especially tree ornaments, that are potential choking hazards for infants or toddlers.
• Use care with ladders. Be sure a ladder is placed on level, stable ground. Be aware ice and snow increase potential for injury when using a ladder. Have someone hold the ladder to help keep the ladder from slipping. Avoid excessive stretching which increases the risk of falling from a ladder. Pay particular attention while climbing ladder rungs and know that wet soles of footwear increase the risk of slipping and falling.
• Protect your back. Boxes filled with decorations or gifts and luggage for travel can be heavy and bulky. Pulling and tugging can result in back injury. Use your legs to lift or ask for assistance with these items.
• Avoid repetitive twisting and reaching movements.