Menu
Call
Contact
Blog
Paul Giannetti Attorney At Law

Injuries, Accidents, Worker's Compensation Free Consultations (866) 868-2960

  • About
  • Personal Injury
    • Car Accidents
      • Rear End Collisions
      • Statistics
    • Construction Accidents
      • Albany Defective Equipment Accident Attorney
      • Electrical Accidents
      • Forklift Accidents
      • Scaffolding & Ladder Accidents
      • Struck by Object
      • Third Party Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Nursing Home Abuse
    • Premise Liability
    • Traumatic Brain Injury
    • Truck Accidents
    • Wrongful Death
  • Workers’ Comp
    • Benefits
    • Workers Comp Forms
    • Comp & Injury Statistics
    • Workers Comp FAQ
    • Requirements
    • Statute of Limitations
    • Union Members
    • What it Covers
    • Schenectady Workers’ Comp
    • Troy Workers Comp
  • Social Security Disability
    • Appeals Process
    • Apply for SSD
    • Claim Denied
    • Disability Benefits
    • Check Your Status
    • SSD Forms
    • SSD Eligibility
    • Statistics
  • Blog
  • Resources
    • Job Openings
  • Contact

Tips to Avoid Common Winter Injuries

January 28, 2014 By Paul Giannetti

Space Heaters are DangerousWe upstate New Yorkers are no stranger to freezing winters. But the recent Arctic Blasts we’ve been experiencing is enough to test even our endurance for cold weather.  Glacial temperatures are not only a nuisance but can put you at higher risk for injuries.

Keep reading to review the three forms of injuries people commonly suffer in frigid weather – and learn how you can avoid them.

Space Heaters Burn Injuries

When the weather outside is frightful, it’s common to use space heaters to boost the temperatures in your home.  But if not used properly – or if they malfunction – they can cause serious burns and injuries.  According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, space heaters cause approximately 25,000 residential fires in the U.S., 300 deaths and over 6,000 burn injuries each year.

To use a space heater safely, take the following steps:

  • Don’t use a space heater within 3 feet of furniture, curtains or flammable materials.
  • Don’t place your space heater on a rug or carpet; put it only on a level surface.
  • Buy a heater with a tip-over safety switch, which turns the unit off if it falls over.
  • Purchase newer models only, as they should have all the latest safety features.
  • Plug electric heaters directly into the wall outlet. If you must use an extension cord, make sure it’s a heavy-duty cord of 14-gauge wire or larger.
  • Don’t use an unvented combustion space heater indoors because they can produce dangerous emissions, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide.
  • Never use a space heater with frayed wires or that shows signs of malfunction, as a faulty unit might be more prone to cause fires.

Winter Sports Injuries

Sports are a great way to shake off the winter blues, but they can carry extra risks in extremely cold weather.  If participating in an outdoor sport this winter, take care to:

  • Wear weather-appropriate clothing, preferably lightweight layers. In extreme weather, hypothermia is a real risk.
  • Warm up thoroughly before engaging in winter exercise or sport.  Cold muscles are more likely to suffer sprains or strains.
  • Carry an extra hat, pair of gloves and socks in case yours get wet.
  • Never skate on a frozen pond or lake unless it has been officially test and approved.
  • Make sure all your sports equipment – helmets, pads, ski boots, skis, etc. – is in good condition and fits you appropriately. Poorly fitting or poor condition gear can substantially raise your risk of injury.
  • If there are winter warnings to stay indoors, stay indoors.  Better to get a workout at home than to risk suffering serious injury outside.

Slips and Falls

As we discussed in December, slip and fall accidents increase in the winter months due to icy sidewalks and roads. In our previous post we discussed a property owner’s duty to keep their property in reasonably safe condition.  Now, here’s what you should do to to avoid a slip-and-fall in icy conditions:

  • Wear proper boots: heavy-treaded shoes with a flat bottom provide the good traction.
  •  Walk across ice and snow slowly, scanning the road ahead for icy spots.
  • Watch out for the thin sheets of ice (“black ice”) that may look like wet pavement.
  • Wear bright colors to help other pedestrians see you. (Bright clothes can also help motorist to see you and help avoid car accidents.)
  • Walk on fresh snow instead of icy or compacted snow.
  • Avoid taking shortcuts on your route: snow and ice removal might not have been performed there.
  • Take short steps, shuffle or waddle like a penguin on an icy patch. It may look a bit strange but it can increase you stability or arrest momentum if you’re starting to slip.

If you suffer an slip-and fall or another winter injury due to the negligence of others,contact a Paul Giannetti. Your attorney can review your case and assess whether you have a viable claim.  Stay safe!

Photo Credit: HolleyandChris cc

FacebookTwitter

Filed Under: Accidents & Injuries

Paul D. Giannetti, Attorney BBB Business Review

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Free Book Download:

Click Here To Download Your Free BookWhen The Dust Settles

Click Here To Download Your Free GuideNY Workers Compensation Guide Booklet

Recent Articles

  • New York Workers’ Compensation Settlement Amounts
  • Worker’s Comp Adjusters Tricks to Watch Out For
  • Why Inflation Impacts Workers’ Compensation Claims 
  • Workers’ Compensation Law (WCL) § 24 – What’s the Deal?
  • What You Need to Know about Construction Site Bystander Accidents
  • Injured on a New York Construction Site? Here’s What You Need to Do
  • Workers’ Compensation Private Insurance vs. Self-Insuring Employers
  • The Difference Between Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury
  • If Workers’ Comp Denies Surgery, What’s Next?
  • Workers’ Comp Settlement After Surgery

Categories

  • Accidents & Injuries
  • Construction Accidents
  • News
  • Social Security Disability
  • Workers' Compensation

Serving accident, injury, and workers' compensation victims throughout Upstate New York including Albany, Fulton, Greene, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington counties. Attorney Advertising. This website is designed to provide general information to injury victims. It is not intended to be legal advice. It can not and should not be substituted for proper legal representation. You should consult an attorney for legal advise regarding your rights as every case is unique and requires in depth analysis and preparation.

Copyright © 2019 Paul Giannetti Attorney At Law. All rights reserved.


Albany Workers Compensation Attorney
Paul Giannetti Attorney at Law
3 Washington Square
Albany, NY 12205
Phone: 518-243-8011
Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm
 

Paul Giannetti Office Location