Snow Safety for All Ages

Each year, we write about how our readers can best protect themselves – and their loved ones – from snow-related hazards. Since Philadelphia and the surrounding areas just sustained some of the most significant snow fall of the winter season so far, now is the perfect time to go over some important safety reminders!

How Injuries Happen

Whether there is snow on the ground or not, cold weather still comes with some unique dangers. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), winter sports and working outside are some of the riskiest (and accident-prone) situations. All in all, the agency estimates that 124,700 people across the nation sustained winter-sports related injuries that required emergency medical treatment just last year. Here are some important findings from the CPSC regarding the nature of the injuries:

• 53% of injuries occurred during snowboarding and skiing
• 17% happened during ice hockey
• 16% occurred during ice skating
• 10% of injuries occurred while individuals were using sleds, toboggans, and/or snow discs
• 4% of injuries happened while people were using snowmobiles
• In addition to these injuries, there were an additional 4,700 snow blower-related injuries last year

The CPSC observed that the most common injuries that people sustained during these activities were dislocations, strains, sprains, and fractures. However, even an activity like shoveling snow can result in injuries, some of which are life-threatening. For example, some people have a heart attack during or after they shovel heavy snow. The American Heart Association (AHA) found that the exertion of shoveling snow can increase the risk for heart attack or sudden cardiac arrest in people with or without heart disease.

Safety Tips for Everyone

There are plenty of things we can do to stay as safe as possible when participating in winter sports, working outside, or shoveling snow. Here are some key ways that you can protect yourself and your loved ones:

• To reduce risks associated with shoveling heavy snow, the AHA recommends being prepared, taking it easy and taking plenty of short breaks
• Always wear appropriate safety and protective gear, such as safety goggles, helmets, gloves, and padding
• Make sure that your helmet is properly fitted and safety approved to prevent head injuries from happening
• Be sure to wear the correct helmet for your activity. You can reference the CPSC’s helmet guide here: https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/349-WhichHelmetBrochure_5-13-22_WEB_508.pdf
• Check that equipment like snow blowers, sleds, toboggans, etc. are working properly before you use them
• Never try to clear snow from the discharge chute of a snow blower with your hands – this is when most snow blower–related injuries end up happening
• Never leave a gas-powered snow blower running in an enclosed area. The exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which can kill a person in just minutes
• To avoid fire, do not add gasoline to a hot or running engine. Always keep gasoline in a gas can or portable gasoline container with a child-resistant closure to prevent accidental child poisonings

The CPSC is also reminding individuals to check for recalls before bringing out any of their winter-related products. You can read about recalls at: https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls. If you or one of your family members sustained a cold weather-related injury and you would like to follow up by filing a legal claim, someone at our firm can help. To learn more, contact a representative online now.

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger, LLP, Representing Injured Victims Since 1947

If you have questions about filing a claim for injuries you sustained, contact the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Galfand Berger LLP today. Call us at 800-222-USWA (8792) or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia, Bethlehem, Lancaster, and Reading, we serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including Allentown and Harrisburg.