Avoid injuries by practising safety on the slopes

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Skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities draw millions of people to the slopes throughout Ontario. A day on the slopes with friends can quickly turn to tragedy. Serious injuries and fatalities associated with downhill skiing and snowboarding have increased as the number of people participating in these popular winter activities has increased. Researchers have found that many of the injuries and fatalities are preventable if people would practise safety on the slopes.

Common injuries on the slopes

A fall or an arm or leg bending at an awkward angle can cause broken bones and sprains that end a day on the slopes in exchange for a trip to the emergency department of a local hospital for treatment. Crashing into a tree or a collision with another skier or snowboarder can have more dire consequences.

One study found that up to 19 percent of skiers and snowboarders suffer a disabling head injury. The same study also revealed that helmets are effective in preventing up to 60 percent of head injuries if worn on the slopes

Proper use of a helmet

Although helmets are proven to reduce the risk of injury, skiers and snowboarders wearing them should not feel invincible and take unnecessary and dangerous risks. At least one doctor recommends helmets for anyone using the slopes, but he suggests they ski and snowboard as though they are not wearing them to avoid risky behaviours.

Helmets should be specifically designed for activities on the slopes. Using a helmet designed for riding a bike does not offer the same protection as one designed for skiing and snowboarding. The areas of the head protected by a helmet designed for bicycle riding does not protect the parts of the head at risk of injury in an accident on the slopes.

Wear a helmet certified to meet industry standards to ensure they offer the protection needed to prevent or lessen the severity of an injury on the slopes. You should also make certain the helmet fits properly and has been securely fastened when in use. Children should not wear helmets that have been handed down from an older sibling unless it properly fits the younger child.

Precautions you can take to reduce the risk of injury this winter

If this is your first time participating in a winter activity on the slopes, arrange to take a lesson or two with a qualified instructorbefore venturing out on your own. Other things to do to stay safe include the following:

• Use only properly fitted equipment.
• Bindings on skis and snowboards should be inspected and adjusted by a professional before heading to the slopes at the start of the season.
• Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn and protect your eyes with tinted goggles when engaged in activities and sunglasses at other times. Sunlight reflected off the snow can cause severe sunburn and cause damage to your eyes.
• Dress for the weather with layers of clothing that allows you to move about freely and can be removed or replaced as you warm up or cool down.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times to prevent colliding with objects or other people.
• Do not attempt trails that are above your skill level.
• Do not go onto the slopes by yourself. Always go with a buddy.

Personal injury lawyers when you are injured

Practising safety on the slopes is a good way to reduce your risk of suffering an injury. If you are injured due to someone’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The personal injury lawyers at Diamond & Diamond have years of experience successfully handling claims on behalf of accident victims who have been injured due to the negligent conduct of others. Contact our 24/7 injury hotline at 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now about your claim. Consultations are free, and we have offices located throughout Ontario.