Prevent Slip-and-Fall Accidents This Cold Winter Season in Oklahoma
This winter season, Oklahoma is expected to experience some exceptionally cold climates, with the arctic air bringing temperatures to low double digits and strong northerly winds causing single digit wind chills. Citizens of the Sooner State should bundle up, keep warm, and stay inside whenever they can. If you do need to go out, however, please keep these safety tips in mind to prevent slip and fall accidents, which cause many serious injuries and deaths, especially during winter.
- Keep your hands out of your pockets. You may be tempted to keep your hands inside your snug, warm pockets, but doing so will leave you vulnerable to injuries. If you slip, your hands and arms may be the only things between you and a hard, serious injury-inducing landing.
- Always check before you step. If you suspect you are approaching a slippery area of snow or ice, prod the ground with your toe before you proceed.
- Don’t burden yourself with large, heavy loads. If you’re carrying a heavy load, chances are you’re using both of your arms, exposing yourself to a hard fall without the protection of your arms. The weight of the load may also make a fall even more dangerous.
- Take small steps. When traversing stairs or any other obstacle, use any available object as a handle, whatever you can to maintain balance. Also, never, ever run.
- Look out for the safety of others. Disabled and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable to slip-and-fall accidents. If you’re a relatively young, able individual, please lend a helping hand to anyone who needs it.
No matter how closely you follow these tips, you may still suffer injuries due to a slip-and-fall accident. If your slip-and-fall accident took place on another party’s premises and that party failed to address and maintain a hazard that contributed to your accident, then you may be eligible for compensation. Get in touch with the experienced Oklahoma City premises liability attorneys at the Maples Law Firm, and we will help you understand your rights and legal options. Call (405) 705-5050 now.