In the coming days, the risk of accidents due to icy conditions will increase significantly, especially early in the morning between 6 and 8 a.m. Freezing wet conditions, snow and rain make paths and roads slippery. However, simple measures can significantly reduce the risk of falls.
Black ice demands your full attention: on foot as well as in traffic. First of all, the right footwear is crucial: shoes that sit firmly on the foot with non-slip tread soles offer significantly more grip. In icy conditions, spikes on the heels can also be useful. It is equally important to walk at an appropriate pace. If you take more time to walk in winter, walk more slowly and take calm, controlled steps, you significantly reduce the risk of falling. Special care should be taken on icy or snow-covered stairs, as they are one of the most common accident sites. It is advisable to always use the handrail. Personal responsibility also contributes to safety: By spreading salt or sand in front of your home or business in good time, slipperiness can be effectively reduced. Cyclists should exercise caution, as it is often safer to push your bike or leave it at home if it is slippery.
Tripping and falling is often underestimated
Many people underestimate the risk of tripping when walking or climbing stairs. A brief moment of carelessness is all it takes for a fall to occur, sometimes with painful and long-lasting consequences. In fact, tripping and falling accidents are among the most common causes of accidents in Switzerland. Around 200,000 people are injured every year as a result of tripping, both at work and in their leisure time. The resulting costs amount to around CHF 1.4 billion per year. Sprains, strains and dislocations are particularly common, followed by bruises, abrasions and broken bones. Mindfulness and mobility play a central role in prevention. Suva therefore focuses on raising awareness and offers free information and prevention services that companies can use to train their employees to be aware of trip hazards in the long term.
Employer responsibility
Employers also have a duty to ensure safe conditions. This includes regularly gritting entrances, paths and stairs on the company premises and securing particularly dangerous areas. It is equally important to inform employees about the risk of black ice at an early stage and to point out suitable protective measures. Where operationally possible, home office can also be offered to protect employees from unnecessary risks on the way to work.
| Regular spreading | Entrances, paths, stairs… |
| Securing stairs | and particularly vulnerable areas. |
| Early information | to employees about the risk of black ice and protective measures. |
| Enable home office | wherever possible to reduce risks on the way to work. |
Early warning with apps
Black ice is particularly insidious because it is often only recognized when you are already standing on it. Good preparation therefore starts the evening before. If you find out about the forecast temperatures and weather conditions, you can better assess the risks. The free app from MeteoSwiss, which provides reliable weather information, is helpful here. It is also advisable to follow the warnings issued by the Federal Office for Civil Protection and install the Alertswiss app so that you are informed in good time in the event of particularly dangerous situations.
Short and sweet
Black ice is one of the most common causes of accidents in winter, especially in the early hours of the morning. If you inform yourself in good time, allow enough time and make sure you wear suitable footwear and behave carefully, you will reach your destination safely even in icy conditions.
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