Winter’s icy grip brings more than frosty mornings and snowy landscapes—it brings serious safety challenges. Slips and falls on ice are one of the season’s most common workplace hazards, capable of causing life-altering injuries and significant disruptions to businesses.

That’s why MEMIC has partnered with former WGME news anchor Kim Block to launch the Walk Safe Winter Safety Campaign. Kim’s story of resilience following a traumatic brain injury caused by a winter fall underscores the importance of taking proactive safety measures. Together, we’re providing actionable steps to help keep you and your employees safe this winter.

Kim Block’s Story: A Powerful Reminder

In January 2019, Kim Block’s life changed forever after a slip on ice caused a traumatic brain injury. Despite more than a year of therapy, her recovery continues, and the injury ended her 39-year broadcasting career.

“When MEMIC asked me to share my story to help others avoid life-changing falls, I was grateful for the opportunity,” Block says.

Kim’s message is clear: slips and falls happen fast, but many are preventable with the right precautions.

Read Kim’s full story at WalkSafe - Kim's Story - MEMIC

The statistics are clear: winter hazards demand attention and safety is essential for your business and your employees.

• In 2017, over 20,000 occupational injuries were related to ice, sleet, and snow (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Wet cold weather can increase workplace injuries by up to 10% with the majority being slip and fall incidents (NCCI: Adverse Weather and Workers Compensation Claims).
• Exposure to colder weather negatively impacts motor performance, work tolerance, and cognition, even after coming inside (Brain freeze: outdoor cold and indoor cognitive performance).
• In addition to causing injuries, slips and falls can result in lower productivity, higher workers' compensation costs, and financial challenges for businesses. According to OSHA's Safety Pays tool, a single fracture could exceed $100 thousand in direct and indirect costs, necessitating almost $4 million in additional sales to cover these costs.

For employers, preparing for these challenges is critical to protecting your team and minimizing disruptions.

How to Keep You & Your Employees Safe This Winter: 

As an employer, you play a vital role in reducing winter slip-and-fall risks. Here are key steps to create a safer environment:

1. Prepare Outdoor Areas

• Regularly shovel, sand, and salt walkways, stairs, and parking lots.
• Identify and address hazardous areas, such as shaded spots where ice forms quickly.
• Establish a snow and ice removal protocol, ensuring clear accountability.

2. Improve Indoor Safety

• Place mats at entrances to catch water and snow, preventing slippery floors.
• Regularly inspect indoor surfaces for wet spots or hazards caused by tracked-in snow.
• Use caution signs in areas prone to slick floors.

3. Promote Awareness Among Employees

• Share tips for safe walking, such as taking small, deliberate steps on icy surfaces.
• Encourage employees to wear slip-resistant footwear, especially for outdoor tasks.
• Provide education on identifying and reporting hazardous conditions.

4. Monitor Weather Conditions

• Stay updated on forecasts and alert your team to changing conditions.
• Prepare walkways and entryways before storms hit to reduce hazards.

MEMIC encourages using the S.A.F.E. approach to stay ahead of winter hazards:

• Surface: Check walking surfaces for hazards like ice or snow and treat them promptly.
• Awareness: Stay alert and avoid distractions while walking, such as using your phone.
• Footwear: Wear appropriate shoes with slip-resistant soles.
• Environment: Clear pathways, improve lighting, and prepare for weather changes early.

Preventing winter slip-and-fall injuries is about more than reducing claims or avoiding downtime—it’s about protecting the people who make your business thrive. By proactively addressing hazards and promoting awareness, you can create a safer workplace for everyone.

As Kim Block says, “Please learn from my story. One fall can change your life forever.”

Let’s make this winter safer together. With preparation, vigilance, and the right tools, we can reduce the risk of slips and falls and keep your team safe all season long.

MEMIC offers resources to help businesses keep their teams safe:

• A Winter Safety Webinar on January 22, 2025, featuring MEMIC safety experts, providing actionable advice for slip-and-fall prevention.
• The Walk Safe webpage, where you’ll find safety tips, educational materials, and Kim Block’s story.
• Regional weather alerts to help businesses respond to hazardous conditions in real time.

Related MEMIC Blogs:

• Slip and Fall Prevention - The S.A.F.E. Way (Part 1)
• Awareness and Prevention Are Key for the Top Three Winter Workplace Injuries
• Getting Ready For Winter Weather
• It’s “Snow” Wonder The Ground’s Getting Slippery