Facts About Falling: Ice-related Slip & Fall Injury Causes & Statistics
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1 million Americans are injured, and 17,000 people die, as a result of slip and fall injuries every year. According to one study, slip and fall injury rates increase significantly as temperatures decline, with most injuries resulting from contact with outside services.
About half of all people injured in slip and fall injuries are walking on level ground when they slip. These types of injuries are also a significant danger to seniors. About one out of every three people age 65 or older will fall each year.
Slip and fall injuries in cold and icy conditions tend to occur because of one of two main reasons. First, slippery surfaces caused by melting snow, slush, sleet, or ice can make walking, and even standing, much more dangerous. Second, the repeated thawing and freezing of ice and water can cause walking surfaces to buckle and crack. These impediments often go unnoticed when concealed under snow or ice, making them all the more dangerous.
Ice-related Slip & Fall Injury Types
Slip and fall injuries caused by icy conditions can cause a range of injuries. Like other slip and fall accidents, these injuries can range in severity, and typically fall into one of several categories.