Authored By: Amanda Unterreniner

We may be nearing the first day of spring, but the snow is still causing problems in Colorado.

According to The Denver Post, slip-and-fall claims have jumped from around 770 in January and February of 2018 to over 1,000 for those same months in 2019. This does not account for March and April, historically snowier months.

Most of these accidents are taking place in Front Range counties, in northern Colorado and the eastern corner of Wyoming.

Jim McMillen, director of safety services at Pinnacol Assurance, Colorado’s largest provider of worker’s compensation, says that many people are slipping as they are entering or leaving buildings or parking lots. He believes that since the past few years have been calmer winters, people are being less caution with the snow and ice.

McMillen says that a slip-and-fall can leave someone out of work for weeks, and if the incident is job related, it can cost just under $13,000. Liz Johnson, a spokeswoman with Pinnacol, say the most common reported injuries for these types of incidents include contusions, strains, sprains, fractures, concussions, dislocations, and hernias.

Here are some tips from Pinnacol to stay safe:

Employers

• Keep walkways and parking lots clear of snow and ice
• Allow employees to work from home on bad weather days
• Place mats/carpets near doorways, and mop up any extra water or debris

Employees

• Wear non-slip footwear
• Always have a point of contact with your car when getting in or out
• Practice your penguin waddle while going into work or other buildings

Stay safe this snow season, and click here to read the full story.

Photo Credit: Alicja Neumiler