Working individuals in Finland have been advised about the high risk of slipping and falling during the late winter season, particularly in temperature ranges around freezing.
A recent warning from the Finnish insurance company LähiTapiola highlights the increased risk of accidents for working individuals during the late winter due to melting ice and slippery conditions. Each year, over 20,000 reported accidents occur among Finnish employees while traveling between home and their workplace, with more than half of these incidents taking place when the temperature is between -5 °C and +5 °C. The report underscores the significant danger posed by these weather conditions, suggesting that awareness and caution are essential for employee safety during this time.
LähiTapiola states that workplace travel accidents account for an average of approximately 75,000 days of disability annually due to injuries sustained by employees of their corporate clients. The vast majority of injuries arise from slips and falls, which can lead to more severe consequences than accidents occurring directly at the workplace. Notably, injury types frequently implicated in these incidents include ankle, knee, shoulder, and wrist injuries, particularly severe enough to result in prolonged absences from work.
The warning serves as an important reminder for both employers and employees to take preventative measures against these risks as spring approaches. Proactive steps, such as ensuring safe pathways during the spring thaw, can significantly mitigate the frequency and severity of workplace travel accidents.
