The days are finally getting longer, the sun is feeling warmer and we are starting to feel that spring is right around the corner. These are the long-awaited signs that winter is coming to an end. However, don't be fooled, Mother Nature still has a trick or two up her sleeve that can cause us problems if we are not prepared.
Warmer daytime temperatures mean spring snowfalls don't stick around for long! However, it's the melting snow that can pose a big problem when nighttime temperature causes re-freezing and creates icy surfaces
Luckily, we know a thing or two about body mechanics. Follow the tips below to avoid winter slips and falls.
Use your whole foot

• Take short, slow steps and place your entire foot flat on the ground.
• Avoid shuffling - if one foot slides too far, the momentum that follows can take you for quite the ride!
• Step down and not out when stepping down from a step, curb and while exiting a vehicle. The entire bottom of your shoe should be in contact with the ground.
• If you're unsure if a surface is slippery, tap your foot to test before walking.

Use your knees

• Keep a slight bend in your knees to lower your center of gravity and improve balance.
• If you begin to fall, do not lock your knees and stick out your hands. Rather, bend your knees and try to fall to the side onto your thigh, hip and shoulder.

Use your eyes

• Pay attention to changes in your surrounding surfaces as they shift from non-slippery to slippery.
• Look at the ground ahead and not at your cell phone.
• Plan your route ahead of time to take advantage of snow cover that will provide more traction and avoid ice.

Use your hands

• Hand rails are there to help, please use them!
• Make sure your hands are free so you can use your arms for stabilization and balance should you begin to fall. Try using a back pack or carrying case with a shoulder strap.

A few more tips!

• Make sure the shoes you wear have great traction and avoid plastic or leather soles.
• Consider keeping a pair of "indoor" shoes at your workstation or desk to make wearing boots more convenient.
• If you begin to fall, try to avoid falling on an outstretched hands and tuck your chin to avoid hitting your head.
• If you begin to fall while carrying a load - toss it! Protect yourself first.

If you're not convinced that a slip on the ice is a big deal, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics identified more than 34,000 workplace slips and falls due to icy or snowy surfaces in 2014. The result of these injuries? The victims needed at least one day away from work to recuperate. This doesn't include the many thousands of minor winter injuries that didn't require time off but  impacted employee productivity due to pain and mobility.
We want you to be as safe as possible throughout all seasons, rain, ice or sunshine. Talk to a physical therapist today to find a program that is unique to you and your team. We take personal wellness seriously and are happy to extend our services to those in need.